Pogba’s Struggles at Monaco and Concerns for Future

Paul Pogba appeared to have turned a significant page in his career following his move to Monaco, where he was welcomed enthusiastically by the club’s supporters. Despite not having participated in a competitive match since September 2023, when he last played for Juventus, there was optimism that the 32-year-old could rediscover the exceptional form that once defined his talent.

Unfortunately, Pogba’s return has not unfolded as anticipated. Thus far in the 2025-26 season, he has featured in only three Ligue 1 matches, accumulating a mere 30 minutes of play, with his last appearance being in December. Currently sidelined due to a calf injury, he will miss Monaco’s upcoming fixture against Lorient on Friday, and his hopes of securing a spot on France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup are diminishing.

An in-form Pogba would significantly benefit Monaco, who find themselves struggling in ninth place in France’s top division, having lost six of their last seven league matches. Additionally, they are precariously positioned at the bottom of their Champions League group in 19th place.

There is evident frustration within the Monaco camp, as CEO Thiago Scuro acknowledged the “challenges” the club has faced in helping Pogba regain full fitness and readiness to contribute on the pitch.

At a recent press conference, Scuro commented, “Clearly, the program for Paul is not progressing as we expected initially. We are diligently seeking solutions for him. Personally, he is unsettled. The strategy is continuously adapting to the circumstances we encounter. Minor injuries in various areas of his body are complicating the process. We remain committed to fulfilling the agreement made during his arrival in the summer.”

Pogba’s ongoing fitness issues have cast doubt on his future at Monaco. There is a possibility that the club may consider parting ways with him in the summer, although Scuro indicated that complexities in Pogba’s contract make such discussions premature.

He stated, “There are numerous aspects of Paul’s contract that differ significantly from public perception. I do not believe it is beneficial to disclose any specifics. We maintain an honest relationship. We must persist with our plan, even though it has extended in duration.

“There are two potential outcomes: one where this situation resolves positively, allowing him to return to the pitch soon and make an impact, or if it does not, both parties may reconvene this summer to discuss future directions. However, now is not the time for such discussions, as our focus remains on finding a solution.”

Pogba is likely eager to regain his fitness promptly to bolster his aspirations for inclusion in France’s World Cup squad. His last appearance for the national team came in 2022, and he was unable to participate in that year’s World Cup in Qatar due to knee surgery.

Recently honored with the Best Comeback Award at the Globe Soccer Awards, Pogba expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support during a challenging period, which included being the target of a blackmail scheme.

Should he recover from his calf injury and achieve match fitness by the end of January, Pogba may have the opportunity to face his former club Juventus in Monaco’s final league phase match of the Champions League.