Pogba Reflects on Isolation During Doping Ban, Praises Wife’s Support

Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of his 18-month suspension from football, revealing how the ban left him isolated and abandoned by many in his life.

The French midfielder, 32, was sidelined after receiving a ban for a doping offence while at Juventus—a setback that led to the immediate termination of his contract with the Italian giants. With no club and a long suspension ahead, Pogba found himself navigating a difficult chapter, largely alone.

In an interview with the UK’s Daily Mail, Pogba shared how the experience exposed who truly stood by him.

“People started distancing themselves from me and my wife,” he said. “The phone stopped ringing, invites stopped coming, and it felt like everyone disappeared.”

Pogba credited his wife for being his rock during that period, acknowledging her role not only as a supportive partner but also as a co-parent during challenging times.

“She was the one who kept me going—comforting me while we still had the responsibility of raising our children. I can’t praise her enough.”

A World Cup winner with France in 2018, Pogba is now preparing for a return to the pitch after signing a deal with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. He is expected to resume professional play in the 2025/26 season.