- He was playing for Juventus as a midfielder
- He will serve a four-year ban until 2027 for a positive test for testosterone metabolites
- He was recently spotted at West Ham’s match against the Tottenham Spurs that ended in support of his friend Zouma
Former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba was spotted in a recent match, West Ham versus Tottenham Spurs earlier this month after he was banned from playing for four years by the anti-doping agency till August 2027.
He went to cheer his long-time friend Kurt Zouma who plays and captains the English Premier League club West Ham United. He was alongside his friend’s family who were also in attendance at the match.
The four year ban came during his prime playing years and has since put him on hold. By the time it is lifted, he will be 34 and by that time, regaining his form could be a bit difficult. It may also affect his sponsorship deals.
Pogba still maintains his innocence and is appealing for the ban. This legal battle and the uncertainties surrounding its outcome and his future career must be incredibly stressful.
Pogba’s biography
Born on March 15 1993,in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, Pogba’s football journey started when he was still young. In his tender age, he played for a local team US Roissy-en-Brie. News about his exceptional talent reached Le Havre, a French club with a strong youth academy.
Paul Pogba. Photo/The Athletic
He developed his skills at Le Harve’s youth academy for four years and later moved to Manchester United. At United, opportunities were limited and this made him leave the team for Juventus on a free transfer. At the Italian club, he became a key figure in their midfield, helping them achieve remarkable success in four consecutive Serie A titles and also reached the Champions League final in 2015.
The following year, Manchester United rebought him at a record fee of $110 million, a price that signified the immense value of his talent. In his first stint with the club, it was more successful while in the second, it became less as compared to the start.
Injuries also hampered his progress at the club and he struggled to compete for major trophies. Seeking a new challenge, he returned to Juventus on a free transfer in 2022, unfortunately injuries continued to plague him.
In 2023, it was a very backward moment for Pogba when he tested positive for a banned substance that resulted in a four-year doping ban till August 2027 though he has made an appeal for the decision.
Internationally, he has represented the France national team and played a key role in their 2018 World Cup victory. However, the ban has affected him and cannot participate in any matches.
Pogba’s personal life
The midfielder was born on March 15 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France to Guinean parents, and he has twin brothers Florentin and Mathias who are also professional footballers who represent Guinea internationally.
He is married to Maria Zulay Salaues, a Bolivian model and they have two sons together.
How has the doping ban affected Pogba’s life?
The four-year doping ban has impacted Pogba’s life in several ways, both on and off the field. It is a major setback for a professional athlete who has dedicated his energy and time in building his career.
At 30 years, we can say that his career was at its prime and by the time the ban is lifted, he will be in his retirement period after a long absence. At his position, it is certain that most companies have offered him endorsements and sponsorship deals.
Paul Pogba. Photo/Daily Sabah
During the four-year period, it is likely that the deals will be withdrawn or he will be receiving less income because his impact is not much.
Pogba surprise visit at London Stadium
The 30 year old was spotted earlier this month at London Stadium in a match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, when he went to cheer his longtime friend Kurt Zouma alongside the player’s family.
The attendance was met with mixed reactions and criticism by some fans. Some felt it was insensitive to those who take doping regulations seriously and others questioned his priorities suggesting that he should be more focused on fighting the ban or training to maintain some levels of fitness.
Those in his defense argued that he was showing support for his friend Zouma and that should not be seen as lack of seriousness towards the ban.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login