Paul Pogba’s Emotional Reflection on Friendship After Doping Ban: A New Chapter Begins

French football star Paul Pogba recently shared a heartfelt statement following the expiration of his doping suspension, shedding light on the challenges he faced during his time away from the game.

The 32-year-old midfielder, whose ban was reduced from an initial four years to 18 months, tested positive for testosterone in August 2023 after Juventus’s Serie A opener.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the presence of non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, a substance known to boost endurance, leading to his provisional suspension by Italy’s anti-doping body, NADO Italia.

The ban officially started on September 11, 2023, and concluded just days before his emotional statement on May 10, 2025.

In his statement, Pogba expressed deep disappointment with friends and former teammates who only reached out after his suspension ended.

He revealed that these individuals had not contacted him during the challenging period of his ban, a time when he likely needed support the most.

“Since my suspension expired a few days ago, I had lots of messages from friends and ex-teammates, asking me where I’m gonna play next. These are people who didn’t ask of me since I was banned,” Pogba shared, adding a prayer for forgiveness: “May Allah forgive them all.”

His words sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans and commentators reflecting on the nature of relationships in the high-stakes world of professional sports.

Many responses highlighted the concept of “fair-weather friends,” noting how people often gravitate toward athletes during their moments of glory but disappear during struggles.

Pogba’s career has also taken a significant turn. His contract with Juventus, originally set to run until June 2026, was mutually terminated on November 30, 2024, according to reports from The Athletic.

Now a free agent, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is at a crossroads, with several potential destinations on the horizon.

Social media discussions have pointed to possibilities like a move to Inter Miami in the MLS, where he could join stars like Lionel Messi, or a return to Ligue 1 with Marseille.

Other options include a Bundesliga club or a reunion with José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe in Turkey.

However, Pogba has reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, signaling his intent to continue playing at a competitive level.

As Pogba navigates this new chapter, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, friendship, and resilience in the world of football.

Fans eagerly await his next move, hoping to see the talented midfielder reclaim his place on the pitch.