Paul Pogba has left Monaco after a mutually agreed contract termination, ending a comeback spell that was supposed to last until June 2027. Monaco said the objectives set by both sides were only partially achieved. Pogba played six matches for the club last season, five of them as a substitute.
Monaco's comeback plan ends early
The move followed a difficult first season back in club football for Pogba, after he was permitted to return to professional football in March 2025 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his doping ban from four years to 18 months. Monaco signed him for a long-term project, and the plan was framed that way when he arrived.
Thiago Scuro, Monaco's CEO, said: "When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious."
Pogba also struck a reflective note in his own farewell statement. Speaking to bbc.co.uk, he said: "Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience."
He added: "AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours."
What Monaco are left with
Monaco's league season ended with 54 points from 34 matches, 60 goals scored and 54 conceded. They finished 7th in Ligue 1 and 21st in the Champions League league phase. That is a decent enough spread of results, but it still leaves the club outside the sort of run that would have made Pogba's return look complete.
BBC Sport says Pogba is now attracting interest from Major League Soccer, with DC United and Inter Miami previously linked. His next move is open, and any club looking at him will be weighing the same basic facts Monaco did, a short comeback spell, limited minutes and a player available on a free transfer.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
