Unexpected cheers greet Paul Pogba on long-awaited injury return

Paul Pogba received an unexpected and moving reception as he stepped back onto the pitch following a lengthy spell out through injury, with even rival supporters rising to applaud his return.

The AS Monaco midfielder was introduced in the 69th minute during his side’s Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Jean-Bouin, a venue typically dominated by home support.

Yet, in a rare show of admiration that transcended club loyalties, large sections of the crowd stood to acknowledge Pogba’s comeback after four months away from competitive football.

The 33-year-old had not featured since sustaining a calf injury in December, adding to a turbulent period in his career that has tested both his fitness and resilience.

Despite those setbacks, Pogba’s enduring reputation within French football remains intact, underpinned by his instrumental role in France national team’s triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Supporters across the football community have also expressed their delight at seeing the midfielder return.

Online reactions reflected a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for a player whose peak performances once defined matches at the highest level.

One wrote: “Hope he genuinely finds some fitness and form, joy to watch.”

A third added: “I was never his biggest fan, but at his peak he was absolutely incredible.

“I think if he wanted he could have been world class at any position because he had such great understanding for pace and space … could deliver a killer ball from nowhere.”

Pogba’s journey back to the pitch has been far from straightforward. After becoming Manchester United’s record signing in 2016, he later faced a major setback when he was handed a doping suspension in 2024, initially set at four years before being reduced to 18 months.

He eventually resumed his career with Monaco, making his debut for the club in December 2025.

Although Monaco fell to a 4-1 defeat against Paris FC on the night, the result felt secondary to the occasion itself.