Paul Pogba 's time at Monaco has already come to an end. Just over a year after arriving on the Rock, the 2018 World Cup winner is leaving AS Monaco with immediate effect. The club and the 33-year-old midfielder reached an agreement to prematurely terminate the contract that was initially set to run until June 2027. This separation brings to a close a particularly short stint on the pitch. Arriving in Monaco with the ambition of reviving his career after more than two very difficult years, Paul Pogba ultimately played only six official matches in a Monaco shirt, for a total of 115 minutes.
A contract terminated one year before its expiry
Paul Pogba joined AS Monaco on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. His two-year contract was one of the biggest events of the French transfer window. The French international was expected to gradually return to competitive action after a very long absence. His official return finally took place on November 22, 2025, in Rennes. Coming on as a late substitute, Pogba was back on the pitch more than two years after his previous official match. But what followed never allowed the midfielder to string together a consistent run of games. Between physical problems, interrupted returns to training, and a lack of match fitness, his playing time remained extremely limited. In total, he left Monaco with only six appearances and 115 minutes played.
Another injury during summer training
The summer of 2026 did not bring any change to the situation. While Monaco was preparing for the new season, Pogba suffered another injury during a training session at St George's Park in England. This left thigh injury was expected to sideline him for several weeks. However, discussions regarding his future had begun before this latest injury. Monaco had already decided not to continue the experiment, and talks had been ongoing for several weeks concerning the terms of an early termination. The two parties have now reached an agreement. Paul Pogba is therefore immediately free to leave, despite still having a year remaining on his contract in the Principality.
Pogba thanks Monaco and its supporters
Following the announcement of his departure, Paul Pogba sent a final message to the club and Monaco supporters : "I would like to thank the President and management, my teammates, all the staff, and all the supporters who believed in me."
The Frenchman also acknowledges that his time at Monaco wasn't as significant in terms of his sporting career as he had hoped : "Representing this club and the Principality was an incredible experience. AS Monaco is an exceptional club, and even though I didn't play as many matches as I expected, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear its colors." He concludes his message with the traditional "Daghe Munegu! "
Monaco's gamble never really took off.
Pogba's arrival at Monaco was supposed to allow the Frenchman to gradually rebuild his career. The midfielder had left Juventus after a period marked by injuries and then by his doping case. Initially suspended for four years, he obtained a reduction of his sanction to 18 months from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Monaco then offered him the opportunity to return to top-level football and experience Ligue 1 for the first time. But his physical condition never allowed him to establish himself permanently in the squad. Even after his return to competition in November 2025, the interruptions multiplied. Pogba was never able to play enough matches to regain a regular place in the team.
What does the future hold for Paul Pogba?
At 33, Paul Pogba is once again a free agent. His departure from Monaco, however, doesn't necessarily mean he's considering retirement. Interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia has been mentioned in recent weeks. His recent injury, however, complicates the prospect of an immediate move, as he must first recover fully. The 2018 World Cup winner must now choose the next step in a career that has been interrupted numerous times in recent years. One thing is now official: it will not continue in Monaco.
