Paul Pogba is setting his sights on a return to the French national team, expressing that it remains "a dream and a bonus" for him. The 32-year-old midfielder, now with AS Monaco, is eager to represent Les Bleus again after a challenging period that included a doping suspension and injury struggles.
Pogba, a key figure in France's 2018 World Cup victory, has 91 caps for his country but hasn't played for the national team since March 2022. A doping ban, initially set for four years, was reduced to 18 months, making him eligible to return to competitive football. He was permitted to resume training in January 2025 and was back in action by March.
Speaking at his unveiling at Monaco, Pogba acknowledged the steps he needs to take to achieve his goal. "It's the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages," he said. "Today I'm at stage one: coming back and performing well". He recognizes that earning a spot in the team requires hard work, given the quality of the current squad.
Pogba's journey back to the top has been arduous. After playing for Juventus against Empoli in September 2023, he faced suspension for failing a drug test in August. His contract with Juventus was mutually terminated in November 2024, marking a new chapter in his career. Despite interest from clubs in the United States and Saudi Arabia, he chose to join Monaco. The deal with AS Monaco extends through to 2027.
A return to the French national team might have seemed unrealistic, but Pogba is motivated to secure a place in the squad for the World Cup next summer. According to Ligue 1 expert Joachim Durand, France coach Didier Deschamps holds Pogba in high regard and knows the player's rare qualities. Durand also pointed to Deschamps' history of sticking with his trusted players, as demonstrated by N'Golo Kanté's return for Euro 2024. Monaco's participation in the Champions League could also boost Pogba's chances, as Deschamps considers it the closest competition to international level.
Pogba's focus is now on regaining his rhythm and form. He pointed to N'Golo Kanté and André-Pierre Gignac, who continued to be called up to the France squad while playing in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, respectively, as examples that the club you play for isn't the only factor.
The midfielder's return to Ligue 1 marks a first in his career. Though he trained at Le Havre AC academy, Manchester United gave him his professional debut.
France reached the final of the 2022 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship, but Pogba's experience and talent could be valuable assets if he can regain his best form.
