Full Breakdown
Paul Pogba and AS Monaco End Contract Early by Mutual Consent
8/20/2026, 11:09:05 AM
Mutual Termination of Contract
On August 19, 2026, AS Monaco and French midfielder Paul Pogba announced that their two-year agreement, originally set to run until June 2027, was terminated by mutual consent. Both parties said the objectives established when Pogba joined in the 2025 pre-season had been “only partially achieved.” The decision was made before Monaco’s opening Ligue 1 match of the new season.
Background & Context
Pogba signed for Monaco in the summer of 2025 after serving an 18-month suspension for a doping violation incurred while at Juventus. The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his original four-year ban in March 2025, allowing him to resume professional football. Prior to his Monaco move, Pogba had not played competitively since leaving Juventus in 2022 and had struggled with injuries.
Data & Statistics
- Contract length: two-year deal (summer 2025 – June 2027).
- Appearances for Monaco: six matches (five as a substitute).
- Minutes played: approximately 105–115 minutes across the season (sources vary).
- Starts: one.
- Injuries: recurring thigh and hamstring problems limited his availability.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that, although the outcome was not as hoped, the club valued Pogba’s return to professional football and his influence on younger teammates.
Pogba issued a statement thanking the club’s president, management, teammates, staff and supporters, describing his time at Monaco as “an incredible experience” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to wear the club’s colours despite limited playing time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious.” — Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro
- “I would like to thank the president and the management, my teammates, all the staff members and every supporter who believed in me,” — Extended Reactions Paul Pogba, monaco CEO
- “Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience. AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours.” — Thiago Scuro, monaco CEO
- “Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience,” — Extended Reactions Paul Pogba, monaco CEO
What’s Next
Following his release, Pogba is a free agent and may join another club without a transfer fee. Reports indicate interest from Major League Soccer clubs (including DC United and Inter Miami) and Saudi Pro League teams. A pre-season friendly scheduled for August 9, 2026 at Anfield, Liverpool, will feature Monaco, but Pogba’s participation remains uncertain due to his recent thigh injury. Decisions on his next destination are expected in the coming weeks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on total minutes played (approximately 105 minutes vs. 115 minutes) and on the exact nature of his latest injury (thigh vs. hamstring). No further details on potential contract terms with interested clubs have been disclosed.
