Sports

Paul Pogba’s Return: A Free Agent’s Journey Back to Football

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba, the dynamic French midfielder, has officially ended his 18-month ban for doping and is now a free agent, ready to resume his football career. His suspension concluded on March 11, and the football world is abuzz with where he might land next. While there’s strong interest from his former club Manchester United, discussions also include potential moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or even abroad.

Juventus, his last club, has been in talks regarding contract termination, making Pogba one of the most intriguing free agents this season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Pogba’s talents will next be showcased, with his return not just marking a personal comeback but also stirring the transfer market dynamics.

Pogba’s ordeal began in August 2023 when he tested positive for DHEA—a banned substance that boosts testosterone—after Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024, the 31-year-old faced the prospect of missing the prime years of his career. However, his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024 proved successful, slashing the suspension to 18 months. Pogba maintained that he never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations, attributing the positive test to a supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. The CAS ruling, which deemed the ingestion unintentional, allowed him to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive action today.

The reduction of his ban was a lifeline for Pogba, who described the period as a “nightmare” in a statement following the CAS decision. His departure from Juventus, finalized on November 30, 2024, came as the club opted not to reintegrate him, leaving him free to chart his next move. Despite his limited appearances during his second stint in Turin—only eight league games due to injuries and the subsequent ban—Pogba’s talent and pedigree remain undeniable.

As a free agent, Pogba enters a unique position in the footballing world. Eligible to sign with any club at any time, he has been linked with a variety of destinations across Europe and beyond. His return coincides with a critical juncture: at 31 (turning 32 on March 15), he still has the potential to perform at a high level, but his long absence raises questions about fitness and form. Nevertheless, his experience as a World Cup winner (2018) and his proven track record at Juventus (2012-2016) and Manchester United make him an attractive proposition.

Speculation about his next move has been rife. A return to the Premier League, where he spent six years with Manchester United, has been floated, with former teammate Louis Saha suggesting a reunion could bolster United’s midfield. However, Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford (2016-2022) was polarizing—marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency and a £89 million transfer fee that set lofty expectations. Other English clubs, including Arsenal, have been mentioned, though some pundits warn that his injury history and time away might deter top-tier sides.

Elsewhere, Ligue 1’s Marseille has emerged as a potential landing spot, offering a return to France and a chance to play in a competitive European league. The Saudi Pro League, with its financial allure and Pogba’s prior visits to the region, is another option, while Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs like LAFC and Inter Miami have been discussed, though roster constraints could complicate a move. Pogba himself has expressed a desire to compete at the highest level, hinting at a preference for Europe’s top five leagues.

Pogba’s immediate focus will be regaining match fitness and proving he can still deliver the flair, vision, and physicality that once made him one of the world’s most coveted midfielders. His last competitive appearance was in September 2023, and the past 18 months have been spent training independently. While he’s reportedly eager to return—“excited like a child who wants to be professional,” as he put it in a 2024 interview—adapting to the pace of top-flight football after such a layoff will be no small feat.

Clubs considering a move will weigh his undeniable upside against the risks. His salary demands, previously among Juventus’ highest at €500,000 per week (reduced to €2,000 monthly during his ban), may now be more flexible, as he’s indicated a willingness to prioritize playing time over earnings. A short-term deal could be the ideal scenario, allowing both Pogba and a prospective team to assess his impact without long-term commitment.

Paul Pogba’s return is more than a comeback—it’s a redemption arc in the making. Once the most expensive player in football history, he’s now a free agent with a point to prove. Whether he lands at a European giant, a surprise contender, or a new frontier like the MLS or Saudi Arabia, his journey back to the spotlight will be one of 2025’s most compelling football stories. As he steps onto the pitch again, the world will watch to see if the “new Paul Pogba,” as he’s called himself, can recapture the magic that defined his peak.

Sports

Morocco Hits Record 8th in FIFA Rankings Amid Identity Backlash

Published

10 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

The FIFA rankings have been updated after AFCON

Morocco’s national football team, the Atlas Lions, has achieved a historic milestone by climbing to 8th place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking (released January 19, 2026).

Morocco ranked 8th in the world after FIFA latest rankings

This marks their all-time highest ranking, surpassing their previous best of 10th in April 1998, and returns them to the global top 10 for the first time in nearly 28 years.

The rise comes despite a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), which Morocco hosted.

Their strong tournament performance came with five (5) wins, one (1) draw, and one (1) loss which earned them significant points (including a +20.23 adjustment in the rankings), propelling them up three (3) spots from 11th.

The FIFA rankings have been updated after AFCON

They now sit ahead of teams like Belgium (9th) and Germany (10th), with 1,736.57 points.

Latest FIFA world rankings

This achievement highlights Morocco’s consistent rise in international football, building on their 2022 World Cup semi-final run and ongoing development in youth academies and infrastructure.

Regarding the “identity backlash” mentioned in the headline, recent coverage of Morocco’s football successes (including this ranking update) doesn’t show widespread backlash tied directly to the new ranking itself.

Past discussions around Morocco’s national team have occasionally touched on cultural identity debates—such as the balance between Amazigh (Berber), Arab, and broader Moroccan elements in national representation, especially during high-profile events like the 2022 World Cup.

The current FIFA ranking news has been overwhelmingly positive in Moroccan and international media, focusing on pride in the Atlas Lions’ elite status and their role as Africa’s top-ranked side.

Sports

Morocco Beats Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final

Published

6 days ago

January 15, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

The Atlas Lions edged out Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense, goalless 120 minutes to book their place in the AFCON 2025 final on home soil. They’ll face Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat — a massive chance for the hosts to claim their first continental title since 1976.

The semi-final on January 14, 2026, was a classic defensive battle. Morocco dominated possession and created the better chances (hitting the bar through Nayef Aguerd and testing Stanley Nwabali), but Nigeria’s rock-solid backline — led by Calvin Bassey — kept them at bay.

Victor Osimhen was withdrawn late in extra time, and the Super Eagles managed just two shots all game — their lowest in AFCON history since 2010 stats began. It all came down to the shootout, where Yassine Bounou (Bono) was the absolute hero again — saving two Nigerian penalties to swing the momentum. Achraf Hakimi converted with authority, and substitute Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to fire home the decisive spot-kick.

This marks Morocco’s first AFCON final since 2004 (when coach Walid Regragui was actually playing!). They’re on an incredible 26-match unbeaten run and have kept five clean sheets this tournament.

Nigeria, the leading scorers coming in, were blunted completely — a heartbreaking end for the Super Eagles, who’ll now face Egypt in the third-place playoff. The final on Sunday (January 18, 2026) pits the hosts against 2021 champions Senegal (who beat Egypt 1-0 in the other semi). With home advantage and momentum, many are tipping Morocco to lift the trophy — but Sadio Mané and co. won’t go down easy.

Sports

Real Madrid Eyes Klopp After Arbeloa’s Shock Copa del Rey Exit

Published

6 days ago

January 15, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Jürgen Klopp as a potential long-term solution following Álvaro Arbeloa's shocking and immediate exit from the Copa del Rey

Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Jürgen Klopp as a potential long-term solution following Álvaro Arbeloa’s shocking and immediate exit from the Copa del Rey in his debut match as head coach.

The drama unfolded rapidly: Just days after sacking Xabi Alonso (following a Supercopa de España final loss to Barcelona), Real Madrid appointed former player and Castilla boss Arbeloa as interim manager. His first game? A humiliating 3-2 defeat to second-division strugglers Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 14, 2026 — a classic giant-killing that has sent shockwaves through the Bernabéu.

Here are some intense moments from that chaotic night, capturing the disappointment on the pitch and in the dugout:

Arbeloa, a club legend as a player (winning multiple titles including Champions Leagues), defended his heavy rotation (resting stars like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Courtois due to injuries and fatigue), but the loss — sealed by a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Albacete’s Jefte Betancor — has intensified scrutiny.

Many see him as a short-term fix, with reports suggesting his “fate is sealed” and the club already planning for summer 2026. Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool mastermind who’s been out of club management since 2024 and currently serves as Red Bull’s global head of soccer.

Fresh reports (including from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg) indicate Klopp is seriously considering a return to the dugout — but only for select dream projects, with Real Madrid high on that list if “everything fits” perfectly.

The German icon has long been fascinated by the club, and this chaos could be the perfect storm to lure him back. Check out these iconic shots of Klopp’s legendary energy and that famous grin — the kind that could ignite the Bernabéu:

Klopp has given mixed signals in recent interviews — downplaying immediate interest right after Alonso’s exit but not fully closing the door, especially for a club of Madrid’s stature. Other names like Zidane are floating around (with Mbappé reportedly favoring him), but Klopp stands out for his proven trophy haul, high-intensity style, and ability to manage superstars.Real Madrid’s season is still alive in La Liga (trailing leaders Barcelona) and the Champions League, but this early cup exit has cranked up the pressure. Could Klopp be the man to restore order and chase more glory?