Florentin Pogba Revives Career at Saint-Étienne After Summer Setback
By BBC Sport – Football
Florentin Pogba, the elder brother of France international Paul Pogba, has turned his fortunes around at AS Saint-Étienne after a turbulent summer that nearly saw him leave the club.
Once considered surplus to requirements by Saint-Étienne’s management, the Guinean international has now emerged as a key figure under head coach Christophe Galtier. A player who featured sparingly last season has suddenly become one of the most consistent presences in the team’s defence.
Since the beginning of the 2014–15 campaign, Pogba has made 14 appearances across all competitions — including nine in Ligue 1 and five in the UEFA Europa League. His performances have not gone unnoticed, helping ASSE climb the league table and most recently contributing to a commanding 3-0 win over arch-rivals Lyon in what is widely regarded as France’s fiercest football derby.
The transformation is all the more remarkable considering how close Pogba came to leaving the club just a few months ago. According to French daily L’Équipe, Saint-Étienne had made it clear the defender was no longer in their plans during the summer transfer window. He was offered to several clubs in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, including Caen, Evian Thonon Gaillard, and Nancy. A move abroad also appeared on the cards, with Sporting Lisbon reportedly showing interest, only for Pogba to reject the offer.
Remaining in France proved to be a decisive turning point. The 24-year-old seized his opportunity and has since earned the full trust of Galtier, who now regularly includes him in the starting eleven.
The resurgence draws a parallel with his younger brother Paul, who famously fought his way back into elite football after a challenging spell at Manchester United early in his career. Both brothers, it seems, share a determination that runs deeper than talent alone.
Florentin’s story is a testament to perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Written off during the transfer window, he has not only stayed but also thrived — much to the delight of Saint-Étienne’s supporters, who now chant his name with pride.
As the season progresses, Pogba’s revival will remain one of the more inspiring narratives in Ligue 1 — a story of resilience, quiet determination, and a player who refused to give up.
