Pogba, from doping suspension to return to Monaco: the road to the French national team
Paul Pogba has been told he stands virtually no chance of making France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, even with his recent return to action for Monaco. Didier Deschamps, a long-time admirer of Pogba’s unique talent, witnessed the midfielder play a key role in Les Bleus’ 2018 World Cup triumph—most notably scoring in their 4-2 final win over Croatia.
Yet Pogba’s career has faced major disruptions in recent years. Plagued by injuries, he made just 12 appearances for Juventus in their iconic bianconero jersey before receiving a doping suspension following a positive test in September 2023. His initial four-year ban was later cut to 18 months on appeal.
Released by Juventus during his suspension, the 32-year-old spent several months without a club before reuniting with Monaco, his boyhood team. He finally made his Rouge et Blanc debut on November 22, 2025—a critical milestone after more than two and a half years away from professional football. Now, the midfielder is in the midst of rebuilding his career.
Deschamps has already addressed the possibility of Pogba’s return to the national team, where his last cap (the 91st of his career) came in March 2022 against South Africa. “It’s up to him. I’m sure he wants it and that it’s a goal he’s chasing. He has hurdles to clear, and the next one—after these long weeks of individual training—will be putting on Monaco’s jersey and stepping onto the pitch,” the France manager stated.
Leboeuf speaks out: 5% chance for Pogba, Zidane more likely in Les Bleus
Frank Leboeuf, 1998 World Champion, estimates at “5%” the chances of the former Manchester United and Juventus player being selected by Didier Deschamps. Asked about the chances of seeing Pogba join the French national team next summer, Leboeuf, speaking in partnership with ToonieBet, even told GOAL that Zinedine Zidane had as much chance as Pogba of being selected, a shocking claim that underlines his skepticism.
“Didier Deschamps greatly appreciates Paul Pogba. If Paul manages to regain his best level, which I doubt because it’s complicated after such a long period without playing – you can train, but playing matches is different, sorry. He has to come back,” explained Leboeuf. The former defender also points out that Pogba is over 30 and that other players have proven their consistency, making his selection difficult.
“It will be difficult for Didier Deschamps to say: ‘Okay, I’ll take him’. He might already want to select N’Golo Kanté. N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba… why not call Griezmann and Zidane too! It’s going to be complicated. I give him 5% chance out of pure kindness, but for me, it’s over,” added Leboeuf candidly.
Deschamps also nuanced his position on Pogba’s return: “He wants it, and if I say yes, Pogba’s return is possible. But if I say no, I’ll look like an idiot, and that won’t work either. I simply wish him to take this first step after more than two and a half years of absence. That will already be immense joy for him.” Recall that Pogba joined Manchester United in 2016 for a record transfer fee of 89 million pounds sterling (119 million dollars) but never really lived up to expectations at Old Trafford before returning to Juventus in 2022 as a free agent.
