Pogba returns after 811 days: crowd on their feet, fresh start | OneFootball

After 811 days of absence and a path full of obstacles, Paul Pogba has returned to play an official match. The French midfielder came on in the 85th minute of Rennes–Monaco, a match that ended 4-1 for the Breton side.

Monaco, Pogba, the return after 811 days: “The crowd standing up moved me.” A new beginning for his career

Numbers and technical evaluations, however, take a back seat: what matters for Pogba is having set foot on a professional pitch again after a long sporting and personal limbo.

An unexpected welcome: the standing ovation at Roazhon Park

Despite the result already being decided, the crowd at Roazhon Park gave Pogba a gesture that was anything but taken for granted. As the midfielder approached the sideline to come on, the stadium rose to its feet in a collective applause, a sign of respect for the player and his journey.

In the mixed zone, Pogba did not hide his emotion: “It moved me to see the crowd stand up and applaud. I really didn’t expect it. A big thank you to all the fans who were here today and supported me. It was very touching.”

A tribute made even more significant by the fact that the former Juventus player hadn’t played an official match since September 3, 2023.

Ten minutes that are worth a new beginning

His entrance onto the pitch showed an essential Pogba, focused above all on regaining lost sensations after two years away. About fifteen passes, a mistake on a long ball, and a goal conceded by his team, with no direct responsibility: marginal details in a context that, for the player, represents only a starting point.

The Frenchman explained his first impressions this way: “The feelings were good. I wanted to bring positive energy, not concede a goal, and have fun. It’s really been a long time. I’m relieved to have started playing football again, the thing I love most in the world. I know there’s still a lot of work to do to get back in shape and play 90 minutes.”

Two difficult years: suspension, doubts, and resilience

Pogba’s return takes on a special meaning in light of the difficulties he has faced in recent years, including those linked to his doping suspension, which kept him off the pitch for 18 months. The uncertainties about his professional future, at many moments, seemed greater than the certainties.

Pogba, however, described the journey that brought him back to the field as follows: “I’m a fighter and football isn’t over. We worked and waited more than two years: today we’re here, thank God. With everything that happened, I was the one who suffered the most. Sometimes the devil tries to talk to you, to tell you it’s over. But there’s a good God. I believe in myself and in my abilities, and since I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong, I always kept hope alive.”

A powerful testimony, which adds sporting and emotional weight to his return.

World Cup 2026? Pogba keeps his feet on the ground

With such a comeback, it’s inevitable to wonder if Pogba can aspire to wear the French national team shirt again and aim for the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder, however, maintains a pragmatic approach:

“It’s far away, very far away. I’m just thinking about getting back in shape and helping Monaco. If I’m not fit, if I play badly, if I don’t perform here, the national team has to be forgotten. For now, I’m just thinking about Monaco.”

A step-by-step philosophy that reflects the awareness of the journey that still awaits him.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.