Paul Pogba has left AS Monaco after the French club terminated his contract one year into a two-year deal. The midfielder made just six appearances following his return from a doping ban, with Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro stating that objectives had been only partially achieved amid persistent injuries.
The brief and tumultuous chapter of Paul Pogba’s career in the Principality has come to a close. AS Monaco announced on Wednesday that the club and the 33-year-old midfielder mutually agreed to tear up a contract that had originally run until June 2027.
It marks a swift and quiet exit for the 2018 World Cup winner, who arrived at Les Monégasques last summer on a free transfer following a tumultuous period away from competitive football.
Injuries and Limited Minutes on the Pitch
Pogba’s return to elite-level football proved far more difficult than either player or club anticipated. After serving an 18-month suspension for a doping violation—reduced from an initial four-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport—he returned to professional action in March 2025.
Yet physical setbacks immediately stalled his progress in France. Following an adapted training programme, he made his debut in November, but a series of repeated injuries restricted him to just six total appearances across the campaign, five of which came as a substitute. In total, those matches yielded a paltry 105 minutes of playing time.
Monaco officials confirmed that the decision to cut ties stemmed from unmet performance benchmarks. Monaco said in a statement that the objectives set for Pogba were only partially achieved
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Executive and Player Farewells
Despite the lack of playing time, club leadership emphasized that the signing carried immense value in the dressing room. Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro reflected on the audacious gamble the club took when bringing the midfielder aboard.
“When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious. While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it should not overshadow the enthusiasm that surrounded his return to club football, nor the fact that Paul was able to return to the pitch and to professional football during this period.”
Thiago Scuro, Monaco CEO, via BBC
Scuro specifically noted that Pogba’s presence benefited the club’s younger players, praising his exemplary attitude and willingness to share his vast experience. Pogba echoed those sentiments in a public farewell.
“Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience, 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.”
Paul Pogba, Midfielder, via BBC
Contrasting Departures and Tactical Shifts
The timing of the departure coincides with a transitional phase for the club. Reporting indicated that the arrival of Filipe Luis as Monaco’s new head coach altered the technical staff’s plans for the midfielder ahead of the new campaign.
What Lies Ahead for the Free Agent
Pogba now finds himself back on the open market as an unattached free agent, though his immediate prospects are clouded by physical concerns. The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during Monaco’s pre-season training camp in England, compounding a recent thigh issue that followed a knee problem.
Interest in his services remains active despite the fitness hurdles. BBC Sport reports that Pogba is attracting interest from Major League Soccer, with past links to American sides including DC United and Inter Miami. Whether any move can materialize while he rehabilitates his latest muscle injury remains the pressing question for the veteran playmaker’s career.
