Paul Pogba says a return to the French national team “would of course still be a dream” after joining Ligue 1 side AS Monaco ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Born in France to Guinean parents, Pogba made the statement during his unveiling at the Principality club, where he begins his comeback after serving an 18-month ban for a failed drug test.
The 32-year-old has not featured for Les Bleus since March 2022 due to injuries and his suspension, but with his ban now reduced, Pogba is aiming to work his way back into Didier Deschamps’ squad.
Without the 2018 World Cup winner, France reached the 2022 World Cup final and the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Pogba believes there is still a place for him in the team, but acknowledges he must earn it. “It’s the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages,” he said. “Today I’m at stage one: coming back and performing well.”
The move to Monaco marks Pogba’s first taste of Ligue 1 football, having previously played at youth level for Le Havre before making his senior breakthrough at Manchester United.
He says the decision to join Monaco was influenced by a desire to restart his career in a league rich in talent.
“I’m excited. It’s true that I’ve never played in Ligue 1,” Pogba told RMC. “Ligue 1 has always been a league I’ve respected… I think the best talent in the world today comes from France. Coming to play in this league is a pleasure and an honour for me.”
Pogba will hope his return to top-level football can put him back on the radar for both France and clubs across Europe.
