Pogba’s Comeback Journey: A Glimpse of Brilliance at Monaco

The French midfielder Paul Pogba is on a quest to rejuvenate his career following a lengthy ban and subsequent fitness issues that sidelined him for two years. Since joining AS Monaco in late November, he has only amassed 30 minutes of play across three matches. Despite this limited game time, his teammate Caio Henrique asserts that the 32-year-old still possesses the ability to deliver moments of sheer brilliance, astonishing his fellow players.

In an interview with The Athletic, Henrique provided a captivating perspective on the experience of training alongside the former Juventus and Manchester United star. Although fans have yet to witness Pogba’s full potential in Ligue 1, those at the club’s training facility have glimpsed the flashes of brilliance that once made him the world’s most expensive footballer.

“When we see him training and executing his skills, we look at each other and think: ‘Damn!’” the Brazilian defender remarked. He expressed the team’s eagerness for Pogba to return to full form and contribute significantly, indicating that once his match fitness aligns with his technical prowess, Monaco could possess a formidable asset for the remainder of the season.

Beyond his impressive displays in training, Henrique underlined the intangible benefits Pogba offers to the locker room, particularly for Monaco’s array of young talents. The club has a rich history of nurturing elite players, and having a World Cup winner and multiple Serie A champion in their ranks is proving to be an invaluable educational opportunity.

Despite the turbulence of his final years at Manchester United and the controversy surrounding his ban, Pogba has arrived at Monaco with a humility that has surprised and impressed his new teammates. “For us, especially the young players, sharing a dressing room with someone of such caliber and experience is incredible,” Henrique noted.

“He’s super calm yet a leader—very cheerful, open, and always smiling. That positivity influences the locker room. Although he hasn’t been with us long, you can see it. He actively engages with the younger players and offers them guidance. It’s remarkable that a player of his stature is so grounded and approachable; he’s phenomenal.”

The path back to elite performance is seldom straightforward, particularly after a two-year absence from professional play. At 32, Pogba is combating both the constraints of time and the rustiness accumulated during his suspension. However, there is a strong belief within the Monaco camp that he is not merely on a farewell tour but is committed to making a genuine impact on the field.

Henrique acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing Pogba but remained confident that the midfielder’s ceiling surpasses that of most players in the league. “He can still reach his peak level, although it’s challenging after two years,” the Brazilian acknowledged.

According to Henrique, unlocking that potential hinges on psychological factors. While Pogba’s physical attributes are evident in practice, transitioning to competitive intensity demands a mental resilience that he is currently working to rebuild. “Confidence is crucial, and regaining it is quite difficult,” he remarked. Therefore, the team’s responsibility has been to create an environment that allows Pogba to feel secure enough to take risks and rediscover the confidence that characterized his best years.

Pogba is not the only high-profile reclamation project at Stade Louis II; Monaco has also invested in Ansu Fati, the former Barcelona prodigy whose career has been marred by a series of debilitating injuries. Like Pogba, Fati arrived with a world-class reputation but is facing the need for both physical and mental rehabilitation.

Henrique drew parallels between the two stars, noting that for Fati, the challenge lies more in overcoming the psychological trauma associated with recurring injuries rather than mere rust. “Above all, it’s about trust, which he is working to rebuild: playing without the fear of injury,” Henrique explained regarding the young winger.

Despite their slow starts, the belief within the squad remains unwavering regarding both Fati’s and Pogba’s abilities. “He is a star and can make a difference,” Henrique concluded.