From World Cup Glory to Doping Ban – The Turbulent Journey of Paul Pogba
Paul Labile Pogba, born on March 15, 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, is one of the most enigmatic and talented midfielders of his generation. Known for his versatility, technical brilliance, and physical prowess, Pogba has experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows in his career. From winning the FIFA World Cup with France to facing a doping ban that has sidelined him, Pogba's journey is a tale of triumph, controversy, and resilience.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Pogba's football journey began in the suburbs of Paris, where he joined local club US Roissy-en-Brie at the age of six. His talent quickly became evident, leading him to US Torcy and later to Le Havre's youth academy. At Le Havre, Pogba captained the under-16 team and caught the attention of top European clubs. In 2009, he made a controversial move to Manchester United's youth academy, marking the beginning of his rise to stardom.
Club Career
Manchester United (2009–2012)
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Debut: September 20, 2011, in a League Cup match against Leeds United.
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Key Moments: Limited first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson led to his departure in 2012.
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Total Appearances/Goals: 7 appearances, 0 goals.
Juventus (2012–2016)
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Transfer Fee: Free transfer.
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Key Achievements:
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Won four consecutive Serie A titles (2012–2016).
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Won two Coppa Italia titles and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.
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Named Golden Boy in 2013 and included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2015.
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Total Appearances/Goals: 178 appearances, 34 goals.
Manchester United (2016–2022)
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Transfer Fee: €105 million (£89.3 million), a then-world record.
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Key Achievements:
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Won the League Cup and Europa League in the 2016–17 season.
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Named in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2018–19 season.
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Total Appearances/Goals: 226 appearances, 39 goals.
Juventus (2022–2023)
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Return to Juventus: Struggled with injuries and a doping scandal.
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Total Appearances/Goals: 12 appearances, 0 goals.
International Career
Early Years (2013–2016)
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Debut: March 22, 2013, in a World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
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Key Achievements:
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Captained France to victory at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, winning the Best Player award.
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Won the Best Young Player award at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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Played a key role in France's run to the UEFA Euro 2016 final.
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2018 FIFA World Cup
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Key Contributions:
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Scored in the final against Croatia, helping France win their second World Cup.
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Named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
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Total Appearances/Goals (as of 2022): 91 appearances, 11 goals.
Playing Style
Pogba is renowned for his dynamic and versatile playing style. Standing at 6'3", he combines technical skill, physicality, and creativity. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, make incisive passes, and score spectacular goals makes him a complete midfielder. Pogba is also a leader on the pitch, often driving his team forward in crucial moments.
Personal Life
Pogba is a practicing Muslim and a family man, married to Bolivian model María Zulay Salaues since 2019. The couple has two children. Pogba is fluent in multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, and Spanish. However, his personal life has been marred by controversies, including an extortion case involving childhood friends and a doping scandal that has cast a shadow over his career.
Career Statistics (as of 2023)
Club Career
| Club | League Appearances | League Goals | National Cup (Apps/Goals) | League Cup (Apps/Goals) | Europe (Apps/Goals) | Other (Apps/Goals) | Total Apps/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 3 | 0 | 0/0 | 3/0 | 0/0 | 0/0 | 7/0 |
| Juventus | 124 | 28 | 28/5 | 2/1 | 40/8 | 0/0 | 178/34 |
| Manchester United | 154 | 29 | 29/5 | 3/1 | 49/13 | 0/0 | 226/39 |
| Juventus | 8 | 0 | 0/0 | 0/0 | 3/0 | 0/0 | 12/0 |
| Total | 289 | 57 | 57/10 | 8/2 | 92/21 | 0/0 | 423/73 |
International Career
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 1 |
| 2014 | 15 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016 | 17 | 3 |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 15 | 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 91 | 11 |
Iconic Performances
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2018 FIFA World Cup Final: Scored a stunning goal in France's 4–2 victory over Croatia.
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2017 UEFA Europa League Final: Scored the opening goal in Manchester United's 2–0 win over Ajax.
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2014 FIFA World Cup (Round of 16): Scored the opening goal in France's 2–0 victory over Nigeria.
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UEFA Euro 2016 (Quarter-finals): Scored a crucial header in France's 5–2 win over Iceland.
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UEFA Euro 2020 (Group Stage): Assisted Karim Benzema's goal and scored a memorable long-range strike against Switzerland.
Legacy and Future
Paul Pogba's career is a blend of extraordinary talent and unforeseen challenges. From his World Cup triumph to his struggles with injuries and off-field controversies, Pogba's journey is a testament to his resilience. As he navigates his doping ban, his legacy as one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation remains intact. Whether he returns to the pitch or transitions into a new role, Pogba's impact on football will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Paul Pogba's story is one of brilliance, controversy, and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in France to becoming a global football icon, Pogba's journey is a captivating tale of highs and lows. As he faces the latest chapter of his career, his legacy as a football maestro continues to inspire fans worldwide.
