Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has left AS Monaco after the French club and the player agreed to terminate his contract early. This comes after an injury-plagued spell in Ligue 1. In short, Pogba leaves Monaco after an eventful year.
According to AS, Monaco confirmed on Wednesday that both parties had mutually agreed to end a contract that was originally scheduled to run until June 2027. This has brought Pogba’s stay at the club to an end after just over a year. Ultimately, Pogba leaves Monaco with his future now unresolved.
The 33-year-old joined Monaco in June 2025 as he attempted to rebuild his career following a lengthy absence from competitive football.
Monaco confirms Pogba departure
In its statement, Monaco acknowledged that the objectives set when Pogba joined the club had only been partially achieved. For that reason, Pogba leaves Monaco in search of a new opportunity.
The club said both parties had decided to end their relationship before Monaco’s first official match of the new season.
Monaco also thanked the 2018 World Cup winner for the professionalism he displayed during his time at the club and wished him well for the future.
The termination leaves Pogba free to consider his next move. He now attempts to continue a career that has been heavily disrupted by injuries in recent years.
Injuries derail Monaco comeback
Pogba’s move to Monaco had been viewed as an opportunity for the midfielder to revive his career. This was after more than two years away from regular competitive football.
However, fitness problems repeatedly disrupted his return.
He did not make his Monaco debut until November 22, 2025, when he came off the bench during a 4-1 defeat to Rennes.
Pogba went on to make only six appearances across all competitions, accumulating just 115 minutes of playing time. The fact that Pogba leaves Monaco has sparked discussions about his next possible destination.
He was also unable to feature in the Champions League. As a result, he was removed from Monaco’s squad for the latter stages of the competition in February.
Fresh injury adds to troubles
Pogba suffered further physical setbacks during Monaco’s pre-season preparations, including a thigh injury while the team trained in England.
Reports of talks over terminating his contract had emerged before the latest injury. Monaco was concerned that the midfielder had been unable to regain the fitness level required to play regularly.
The club had hoped the summer would provide an opportunity for Pogba to prove he could remain fit and establish himself in the squad. However, repeated setbacks eventually brought his comeback attempt in the Principality to an end.
Career hit by doping suspension
Pogba’s recent struggles followed an 18-month suspension for breaching anti-doping regulations.
He was initially handed a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA in 2023 while playing for Juventus. However, the suspension was later reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The midfielder maintained that he had unintentionally taken a supplement containing the prohibited substance.
Juventus and Pogba subsequently mutually terminated his contract in November 2024 before he joined Monaco the following year.
Pogba faces uncertain future
Pogba now faces another major decision over his playing career after his attempt to establish himself at Monaco ended prematurely.
The midfielder was once among the biggest names in world football, winning four Serie A titles during his first spell at Juventus. He then returned to Manchester United for a then-world-record transfer fee in 2016.
He was also a key member of the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Despite his recent difficulties, reports have linked Pogba with possible moves to clubs in Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia and France. He is now considering whether to continue playing.
