MONACO — Former France midfielder Paul Pogba left AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, after the Ligue 1 club terminated his contract following just one season.
Monaco officials confirmed that the deal, which originally ran until June 2027, was cut short because performance objectives set by both parties were only partially achieved. The 33-year-old World Cup winner made six appearances for the principality club across the 2025-26 campaign, with five of those outings coming as a substitute. Pogba returned to professional football in March 2025 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his initial four-year doping suspension to 18 months.
Contract Details and Injury Setbacks
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro stated that while the signing was an ambitious challenge, the outcome did not meet expectations. Pogba's departure comes shortly after he sustained a hamstring injury during the team's pre-season training camp in England last week.
Despite the setback, industry reports indicate that Major League Soccer clubs, including D.C. United and Inter Miami, have monitored the midfielder's status. However, his current physical rehabilitation timeline may influence negotiations for any immediate transfer before upcoming roster registration windows close.
Club Statements and Future Outlook
Pogba expressed gratitude for his time in the principality, noting that returning to the pitch remained an important personal milestone following his lengthy legal battle. Monaco management confirmed that all financial terms regarding the early release have been settled.
The player's representatives are scheduled to evaluate fitness assessments and prospective contract offers when medical evaluations conclude on September 5, 2026.
Why did Paul Pogba leave Monaco after one season?
Paul Pogba left Monaco because performance objectives outlined in his contract were only partially achieved during his single season with the Ligue 1 club.
The official contract termination was announced by Monaco executives on August 20, 2026.
Medical evaluations to assess his hamstring injury are scheduled to conclude on September 5, 2026.