Paul Pogba’s two‑year deal with AS Monaco has unraveled after a grade‑2 calf strain sidelined him for months, preventing any first‑team training and sparking talks of a mutual contract termination. The 31‑year‑old midfielder’s injury, prolonged rehab and mental strain threaten both Monaco’s investment and his chances of a 2026 World Cup recall.
Dream Derailment: Calf Injury Stops Pogba’s Return
Monaco announced Pogba’s arrival in July 2023 as a revival for the World‑Cup winner, hoping he could boost the club’s push for European competition. Within weeks of his first training session, a left‑calf strain was diagnosed as a grade‑2 tear, projecting a six‑to‑eight‑week absence that quickly extended into months.
Injury Details
The calf strain limits Pogba’s ability to perform high‑intensity sprints and dynamic turns essential for his midfield role. Medical staff estimate a full recovery could take up to three months, but recurring soreness has delayed progress.
Monaco’s Patience Wanes
Sporting director Thiago Scuro admitted the rehabilitation timeline has exceeded expectations. “We expected Paul to return sooner, but the recovery is taking longer than projected,” Scuro said. Club officials also noted the mental toll on the player, who trains alone and watches the squad from the sidelines.
Pogba’s Statistics Highlight a Decline
- Last competitive start: Juventus, 2020‑21 season.
- Minutes played for Monaco: 0.
- 2018‑19 Manchester United season: 16 goals, 12 assists.
- Career total (as of 2026): 105 goals, 112 assists.
These figures contrast sharply with his previous peak performance and illustrate the depth of his current inactivity.
Impact on Monaco and the French National Team
Monaco invested €15 million plus a high annual salary, expecting Pogba to become a marquee player. Without on‑field contributions, the club faces a decision: continue funding an uncertain rehabilitation or agree to a contract termination.
For France, head coach Didier Deschamps is shaping a younger midfield core for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Pogba’s lack of match fitness makes a national‑team recall highly unlikely, especially with competitors like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot cementing their spots.
Future Scenarios for Pogba
Negotiations are reportedly underway for a mutual termination, allowing Pogba to become a free agent in the January 2026 transfer window. Potential destinations include Ligue 2 clubs or the Turkish Süper Lig, where he could rebuild match fitness away from Monaco’s pressure.
A Cautionary Chapter in a Storied Career
Pogba’s Monaco episode underscores how quickly fortunes can reverse in professional football. From lifting the 2018 World Cup to facing a stalled comeback, the midfielder’s journey highlights the fragile balance between talent, health, and circumstance.
