Paul Pogba Ban Ends, French Star Will Wait To Find New Club

Paul Pogba’s 18-month football ban officially lifted on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, freeing the former Manchester United midfielder to return to the pitch—but he’s in no rush to sign. Sources told ESPN’s Julien Laurens that the 32-year-old, who turns 32 this Saturday, “has decided to take his time to choose his next club and is not likely to sign anywhere until the end of the season,” as he weighs his options with care.

The 2018 World Cup winner’s choices are constrained by transfer windows. Only Major League Soccer, closing 23 April, and Japan’s J1 League, shutting 26 March, are open now—slim pickings for a player of Pogba’s pedigree. “He is prioritising a return to one of Europe’s major leagues,” sources added, “although he is also open to many different options and has spoken to Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.” A move to Europe’s elite remains his focus, with an eye on France’s 2026 World Cup squad—ideally via a Champions League or Europa League club.

Interest has already surfaced. “He has already had interest from a number of clubs in recent months, including Ligue 1’s Marseille, Serie A’s Fiorentina and a number of LaLiga sides,” sources confirmed, though Pogba has “rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League and Brazilian Serie A.” Marseille could tempt him back to France, while Fiorentina offers a Serie A return post-Juventus, whose contract he mutually terminated last November.

Pogba’s ban stemmed from a positive DHEA test—a banned substance boosting testosterone—after Juventus’ match against Udinese in August 2023. Initially slapped with a four-year suspension, he successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, cutting it to 18 months. That exile ended Tuesday, his first eligibility since a 29-minute cameo for Juventus on 3 September 2023. His last full 90? March 2022 with United—three years ago.

He’s kept sharp in Miami, training solo with a personal coach and playing pick-up games, where he’ll stay with family until season’s end.

With 91 France caps and a World Cup medal, Pogba’s next step is pivotal—Europe’s top tiers beckon, but the clock’s ticking…