Paul Pogba faces contract termination at Monaco after recurring injuries
Paul Pogba, 33, suffered a left thigh injury during AS Monaco’s pre-season training camp at St George’s Park in England, his latest setback after a series of fitness issues. The former World Cup winner joined Monaco in June 2025 but made only six appearances (115 minutes) due to injuries and a prior doping ban. Monaco is now in talks to terminate his contract by mutual agreement, with a decision expected by end of August. The club had hoped to restore his fitness but has concluded the project has not worked.
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Cross-source coverage
Common ground
- Pogba's body has failed elite football, with a clear five-year pattern of injuries and only 115 minutes played in a season.
- Monaco's decision to sign Pogba was a PR bet, not a data-driven move, and it didn't work out.
- The contract should be terminated with a fair settlement, as both sides made a losing gamble.
- The psychological toll of Pogba's 26-month doping ban and injury struggles is real and deserves acknowledgment.
Points of contention
- Whether the business logic and human tragedy are separate conversations or the same one.
- Whether Monaco is acting coldly or managing a fair exit, given they knew the risks when signing Pogba.
- Whether Pogba's camp has real leverage or is desperate, despite having a powerful agent like Rafaela Pimenta.
- Whether a clean break is humane or just damage control, versus keeping him on full wages as a form of support.
Blind spots
- Neither side fully addresses what outcome actually serves Pogba's long-term wellbeing, beyond contract terms.
- The debate overlooks how clubs use romantic narratives to sign players and then discard them when the story fades.
- There's little discussion of whether performance-based incentives could have prevented this situation from the start.
WorldAttention’s read
Both sides agree that Pogba's body can no longer handle elite football and that Monaco's signing was a risky PR bet that failed. The main disagreement is about blame: one side sees it as a cold business decision where Monaco should honor the contract, while the other argues it's a mutual failure where a clean break is the most honest and practical option. The blind spot is that neither fully considers what's best for Pogba's future health and happiness, beyond the contract dispute. Ultimately, terminating the contract with a fair settlement is the most realistic path forward, but it's a sad end for a World Cup winner who deserved a better exit.
Wire timeline
Le Parisien: Pogba's Top-Level Career Over, MLS Next Stop Possible
Le Parisien reports that AS Monaco is set to terminate Paul Pogba's contract a year early, effectively ending his top-level football career. The 33-year-old French midfielder, who returned to Monaco hoping for a comeback, suffered a severe left thigh injury during training, collapsing in pain. He had already been injured after playing only 45 minutes in a preseason match. Monaco's management confirmed an open and transparent relationship with Pogba but acknowledged that a parting of ways is necessary if goals diverge. Pogba posted a cryptic Instagram message seeking answers. Having played just 115 minutes this season, his future is uncertain. BBC reports indicate MLS was an option before the injury, but the article concludes Pogba has likely bid farewell to elite football forever.
Monaco Likely to Terminate Paul Pogba's Contract After Repeated Injuries
According to Le Parisien, AS Monaco is expected to terminate Paul Pogba's contract after the 33-year-old midfielder suffered yet another injury. Pogba joined Monaco in June 2025 hoping to revive his career after a two-year hiatus due to injuries, a doping ban, and a kidnapping case. However, in 14 months, he has recorded seven injuries and spent most of his time in the medical room. Some Monaco fans now view him more as an internet celebrity than a footballer. The club, facing financial difficulties and a DNCG salary cap penalty, can no longer afford his salary. Monaco manager Thiago Scuro acknowledged the situation is 'very complex' and that expectations have not been met.
Monaco to Terminate Paul Pogba's Contract After Limited Appearances
Multiple media outlets report that AS Monaco will terminate the contract of French midfielder Paul Pogba. The 33-year-old has made only 6 appearances for Monaco this season, totaling just 115 minutes on the pitch. Since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Pogba has made a total of 18 appearances across stints at Juventus and Monaco, playing only 328 minutes. His time at Juventus was similarly limited, with 12 appearances and 213 minutes. The news highlights a dramatic decline for the former World Cup winner, who has been plagued by injuries and off-field issues since his second departure from Manchester United.
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Monaco and Paul Pogba in talks to terminate contract after six appearances
Paul Pogba is set to leave Monaco by mutual agreement after making only six appearances for the Ligue 1 club. The 33-year-old World Cup winner joined Monaco on a free transfer in summer 2025 following his departure from Juventus. His debut came in November 2025 after a 26-month absence due to a doping ban that was reduced from four years to 18 months on appeal. Pogba sustained a hamstring injury during Monaco's pre-season tour in England, which may sideline him for several months. Talks over contract termination have been ongoing for weeks. Monaco had hoped to restore Pogba's fitness but feel unable to do so. The midfielder previously played for Manchester United and Juventus, winning four Serie A titles, and has 91 caps for France.
Monaco and Paul Pogba in talks to terminate contract after six appearances
Monaco and French midfielder Paul Pogba are in talks to mutually terminate his two-year contract after just 12 months, following a disappointing spell marked by only six appearances. The 33-year-old World Cup winner joined Monaco on a free transfer in summer 2025 after leaving Juventus, but has struggled with fitness and availability. He recently sustained a hamstring injury during pre-season training in England, which may sideline him for several months. Pogba's career has been hampered by a previous 18-month doping ban, which ended in early 2025. His debut for Monaco came in November 2025, his first match in 26 months. The club had hoped to restore his fitness but now feels unable to do so. Pogba has not played for France since 2022 and has a storied career including four Serie A titles with Juventus and 190 appearances for the Turin club.
Monaco and Paul Pogba in talks to terminate contract after six appearances
Paul Pogba is set to leave Monaco by mutual agreement after making just six appearances for the Ligue 1 club. Talks are ongoing to terminate his two-year contract after only 12 months. The 33-year-old World Cup winner joined Monaco on a free transfer last summer, having been a free agent since leaving Juventus in November 2024. His debut for Monaco in November 2025 was his first appearance in 26 months after receiving a ban for breaching anti-doping regulations, initially given a four-year ban in February 2024 which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal. Pogba sustained a hamstring injury during pre-season training in England, which may sideline him for several months, but contract termination talks have been ongoing for several weeks. Monaco had hoped to restore Pogba to his previous fitness levels but feel they have not been able to.
Monaco to Terminate Paul Pogba's Contract After Only 115 Minutes of Playtime
French media RMC reports that Paul Pogba suffered another left thigh strain during training, making his stay at Monaco increasingly untenable. The French midfielder joined Monaco last summer hoping to revive his career after a doping ban led to his departure from Juventus. However, recurring injuries have limited him to just 115 minutes of playtime last season, far below expectations. Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro had previously stated the club would evaluate Pogba's future over the summer, not ruling out a departure. Despite his contract running until June 2027, the latest injury during preseason preparations appears to be the final straw. According to Nice-Matin, both sides need to complete the separation process as soon as possible, with Pogba now without a club.
Monaco to Terminate Paul Pogba's Contract After Recurring Injuries
According to Nice-Matin, AS Monaco has decided to terminate Paul Pogba's contract, even before his latest injury. The 33-year-old midfielder suffered a left thigh strain during a full-team training session in England on Tuesday, August 11. Monaco's management had informed Pogba several weeks ago of their intention to end his contract, and both parties need to reach a financial agreement before the transfer window closes on September 1. Monaco is expected to pay the remainder of his salary for the final months of his deal. Pogba joined Monaco in June 2025 on a two-season contract but has only played six official matches due to persistent injuries, including a right knee problem that plagued him last season. He missed four pre-season friendlies due to that knee issue and had just returned to full training before the latest setback. The club had hoped to assess his fitness this summer, but his physical condition has not improved, leading to the decision to part ways.
L'Équipe: Monaco Expected to Decide on Pogba by End of August, Contract Termination Possible
French media L'Équipe reports that Paul Pogba suffered another injury setback during training with Monaco, sustaining a left thigh injury that forced him to leave the pitch. This is the latest in a series of fitness issues for the midfielder, who played only 115 minutes in his first season at Monaco. Despite having one year left on his contract, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro admitted the project around Pogba has not worked and that his departure is possible. The club is expected to make a decision by the end of August, with direct contract termination not ruled out. Pogba's preseason has been poor, missing matches and training due to various injuries, raising doubts about his ability to contribute significantly.
Paul Pogba Suffers Left Thigh Injury in Monaco Training
Paul Pogba has suffered another injury setback during pre-season training with AS Monaco. The former French international injured his left thigh during a small-sided possession drill at St George's Park in England, where the club is on a week-long training camp. He had only recently returned to full training after experiencing right knee discomfort. Pogba has played just 45 minutes this summer, in a friendly against Saint-Priest. Last season, he made only six appearances for Monaco totaling 115 minutes, following a doping suspension that ended his Juventus career. The extent of the new injury is unclear. Monaco coach Filipe Luis expressed hope that Pogba's experience would benefit the team's young players.