Paul Pogba’s difficult attempt to revive his career at AS Monaco has come to an early end, with the French midfielder and the Ligue 1 club agreeing to terminate his contract, bringing his brief spell at the Principality to a close.
Monaco confirmed the decision on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, revealing that the club and Pogba had jointly agreed to end a contract that was originally scheduled to run until June 2027. The announcement brings an unexpected conclusion to a partnership that began with considerable optimism when the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner joined the club in June 2025.
According to Monaco, the decision followed an assessment that the objectives established when Pogba arrived had been only partially achieved. The club, however, was careful to recognise the midfielder’s attitude and contribution away from the pitch, praising his professionalism, determination and influence within the dressing room.
The development represents another setback for Pogba, whose career has been heavily affected by injuries and a doping suspension in recent years.
Pogba, 33, joined Monaco after spending more than two years away from competitive football as a result of his doping case. His return to the French club was seen as an opportunity for the former Manchester United and Juventus star to rebuild his career and demonstrate that he could once again operate at the highest level.
Monaco officially announced his arrival on June 28, 2025, on a two-year contract that was due to keep him at the club until June 30, 2027. At the time, the French side described the signing as a major addition to its midfield and highlighted Pogba’s achievements with Juventus, Manchester United and the French national team.
However, his comeback failed to develop as hoped.
Persistent physical problems limited Pogba’s involvement considerably during his only full season with Monaco. He eventually made just six Ligue 1 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, with his playing time amounting to roughly 119 minutes according to statistical records.
His limited involvement was particularly disappointing because of the expectations surrounding his arrival. Pogba had been regarded for years as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, having enjoyed successful spells with Juventus and Manchester United and playing a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.
His Monaco debut itself came after a lengthy absence from competitive football. The Frenchman had hoped that regular football in Ligue 1 would provide the platform needed to regain his fitness and potentially return to the French national team.
Instead, injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress.
The situation became increasingly difficult during the build-up to the 2026/27 season. Pogba was working to regain full fitness when another physical problem disrupted his preparations. Earlier in August, he was forced to cut short a Monaco training session after experiencing discomfort in his left thigh. Reports said he left the training pitch after appearing to suffer the problem during an exercise.
That latest injury came after previous concerns surrounding his knee and other physical issues.
The recurring setbacks eventually made it difficult for Monaco to see a realistic path towards the level of contribution expected from the former world-class midfielder. Reports earlier in August had indicated that the club was already considering an early separation, with his physical condition playing a significant role in the discussions.
Despite the disappointing outcome on the pitch, Monaco’s statement struck a respectful tone.
The club praised Pogba’s mentality and professionalism during his time in the Principality. Monaco also stressed that the midfielder remained a positive presence around the squad even when injuries prevented him from playing, particularly through his experience and knowledge of the game.
That aspect of Pogba’s contribution is significant because his career has given him extensive experience at the highest level of European football. He won multiple Serie A titles with Juventus, the Europa League and League Cup with Manchester United, and the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018. Monaco also noted his impressive career record when announcing his signing last year.
Pogba’s departure now leaves his professional future uncertain.
The midfielder is entering another period in which he will have to determine whether to pursue another opportunity or consider the next stage of his career. His name still carries considerable weight because of what he achieved during his peak years, but his recent record highlights the difficulty of returning to elite football after a prolonged absence and repeated injuries.
His Monaco spell lasted only one season and produced very little football compared with what both the player and club had anticipated.
It was reported that Pogba and Monaco mutually agreed to part ways after the club determined that the objectives set at the beginning of the relationship had not been fully met. The report also confirmed that Pogba had made only six appearances for Monaco and was dealing with another thigh injury after previously suffering a knee problem.
The decision therefore ends another chapter in a career that has experienced remarkable highs and difficult lows.
Pogba went from being one of the most highly rated young midfielders in world football to becoming a Manchester United record signing after his return from Juventus. He subsequently became a central figure in France’s successful 2018 World Cup campaign. But injuries, his doping suspension and the long period away from competitive football have dramatically altered the trajectory of his career.
His Monaco move was supposed to mark the beginning of another comeback.
Instead, it has become another brief and frustrating chapter.
With his contract now terminated ahead of its original June 2027 expiry date, Pogba is once again a free agent and faces an important decision about his footballing future. Whether he can find another club willing to give him the opportunity to rebuild remains to be seen.
For Monaco, the focus will now shift towards strengthening the squad ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign. For Pogba, meanwhile, the challenge is even more personal: finding a way back onto the pitch and proving that the talent that made him a World Cup winner can still be translated into consistent elite-level football.
For now, however, his Monaco experiment is over after just six league appearances and a series of injuries that prevented the celebrated French midfielder from making the impact both he and the club had hoped for.