“Yes, I’m still alive,” wrote the Frenchman on his social media page under a photo from the gym. To recap, in August of the previous year, the French midfielder tested positive for a banned substance. On February 29th, the anti-doping tribunal upheld the decision to suspend the player for four years. After the tribunal ruled to suspend Pogba, he filed an appeal. The 29-year-old Pogba has been one of the most prominent midfielders in world football over the past decade. He helped guide France to the 2018 World Cup title and has been a key player for top clubs like Juventus and Manchester United. However, his career has also been marred by controversy and injuries.
This latest doping scandal is just the latest chapter in Pogba’s tumultuous time in the spotlight. Shortly after the positive test was announced, Pogba took to social media to proclaim his innocence, claiming the test results were “fake news” and that he had never knowingly taken any banned substances. The four-year ban handed down by the anti-doping tribunal means Pogba will miss not only the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but also the 2026 World Cup, essentially robbing him of the prime years of his career. Pogba has vowed to fight the suspension, maintaining that the positive test was the result of a “mistake” or “contamination.”
Reaction to the scandal has been mixed, with some fans and pundits expressing disappointment and anger over Pogba’s actions, while others have rallied behind the player, insisting that he deserves the benefit of the doubt. The case has reignited the ongoing debate around doping in professional sports and the grey areas that often exist in terms of what constitutes a violation. Regardless of the outcome of Pogba’s appeal, this incident has undoubtedly cast a dark cloud over the rest of his career.
At 29 years old, time is running out for the midfielder to reclaim his place among the world’s elite players. The next few months will be crucial as he fights to clear his name and potentially return to the pitch. Only time will tell how this saga ultimately plays out. But for now, Pogba’s simple social media message – “Yes, I’m still alive” – serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll these types of scandals can take on an athlete’s career and reputation. The road ahead appears long and uncertain for the once-celebrated French star.
As part of the French national team, Paul Pogba became a world champion in Russia in 2018. In the final match, his team defeated Croatia 4-2. The 2018 World Cup triumph cemented Pogba’s status as one of the premier midfielders in world football. After breaking through as a young star with Juventus, he returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee of £89.3 million. However, his time at Old Trafford has been a rollercoaster, marked by both on-field success and off-field drama.
Pogba’s performances for France during their World Cup-winning campaign were widely praised. Playing alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, Pogba marshaled the midfield with his trademark blend of physicality, technical ability, and vision. His well-timed runs, pinpoint passing, and knack for the occasional highlight-reel goal made him an integral part of Didier Deschamps’ side. In the final against Croatia, Pogba was instrumental, scoring France’s third goal to give his team some breathing room after Ivan Perišić had pulled one back for the Croatians. Pogba’s composed finish capped off a commanding display, as Les Bleus ultimately triumphed 4-2 to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
The World Cup victory was a crowning moment in Pogba’s career up to that point. He had silenced the doubters who felt he had not yet fulfilled his immense potential, and cemented his status as one of the world’s elite midfielders. The achievement was all the more impressive given the off-field issues and criticism that had dogged Pogba during his time at Manchester United. In the aftermath of the World Cup triumph, Pogba’s stock was as high as it had ever been. Speculation swirled about potential transfers to clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the player himself hinting that he was open to a new challenge away from Old Trafford. However, a move never materialized, and Pogba remained with Manchester United for the 2018-19 season. The following year saw Pogba’s career take another turn, as he suffered a series of injury setbacks that limited his playing time. A persistent ankle issue kept him sidelined for much of the campaign, leading to questions about his long-term fitness and commitment. Rumors of a rift between Pogba and United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær only added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the player.
Despite the off-field distractions and fitness problems, Pogba remained a key figure for the French national team. He played a pivotal role as Les Bleus cruised through qualifying for the 2020 European Championship, which was ultimately pushed back to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay in the Euros gave Pogba more time to recover from his injuries and regain his form. He entered the tournament determined to replicate his World Cup heroics on the continental stage. However, France’s campaign ended in disappointment, as they were surprisingly eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland. Pogba’s future remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract with Manchester United. The doping scandal that erupted in 2022 has only added to the sense of upheaval surrounding the player. As he seeks to clear his name and revive his career, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Pogba can regain his place among the world’s elite midfielders.
