Paul Pogba Reveals Which Former Man Utd Star Fueled His Dramatic Comeback

Paul Pogba has acknowledged his former Manchester United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo as a key source of motivation during his return to football after serving an extended doping suspension.

While playing for Juventus in his second spell, the French midfielder was handed an initial four-year ban by Italy's national anti-doping authority in February 2024, following the detection of elevated testosterone levels in a drug screening.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced Pogba's suspension to 18 months in October 2024, ruling that his consumption of the prohibited substance that increased his testosterone was accidental.

Pogba joined Monaco on a free transfer last summer, returned to competitive football in late November, and made three match appearances before the winter recess.

The 2018 World Cup champion recently received the Best Comeback Award at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards ceremony in Dubai, recognizing his successful return, and acknowledged Ronaldo's influence during his acceptance remarks.

Pogba Lavishes Praise on Ronaldo

Prior to acknowledging Ronaldo, Pogba first expressed appreciation to his family for their support throughout his recovery journey.

"It wasn't easy. It was a very important moment for me, in my life, to see what really, the people that were really there for you, the people that really love you when you are outside the shiny moment," Pogba addressed the ceremony attendees.

"This award means a lot, for me and for my wife ... we've gone through so much together. She helped me a lot, and my kids kept me smiling."

Pogba then directed his remarks toward Ronaldo, who was present at the event, declaring: "Cristiano, you are here, you have inspired all of us as a soccer player. You did this for the next generation. Big thank you, Cristiano."

The 31-year-old shared the pitch with Ronaldo in 20 matches for Manchester United during the 2021–22 campaign, before Pogba left for Turin without a transfer fee.