The name Paul Pogba has always commanded attention on and off the pitch. The 31-year-old French midfielder has seen his fair share of ups and downs in his career of late. Pogba, after being suspended for doping in September 2023, finally had his penalty reduced from four years to 18 months, which puts him in a position to return to professional soccer by March 2025. What really stands out, however, is not the return of the star but how he has spent his time off and, more importantly, his future, which is really uncertain at his current club: Juventus.
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Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport say that Pogba and Juventus are in advanced talks for a mutual contract termination that would make the player a free agent in just a few months and create some really incredible speculation about where he might next ply his trade. It is worth noting that his current contract with the Italian club runs until 2026, but it seems that relationship has reached its end. Hints of this divorce began to trickle through Pogba's socials, where, celebrating the CAS decision to reduce his suspension, the athlete did not make one mention of Juventus.
A Fresh Start in the U.S.? MLS Likely Destination
But more intriguing is the question of Pogba's possible search for new horizons in leagues like the MLS. The American market has grown increasingly attractive for European players who are at the end of their contract, a chance for them to give a second life to their careers or live another sporting and commercial reality. For Pogba, MLS may turn out to be the ideal place for his "rebirth" after the suspension.
Having players like Paul Pogba in Major League Soccer would be huge. The league has grown incredibly, earning the trust of more and more great names to join while its visibility grows internationally. What is more, Pogba is not only a star in the football field but also out of it, being very social media active and charismatic enough to attract more fans towards the MLS. The possible deal with the US team would help both Pogba, who needs to start fresh, and the League, which would add a top-flight athlete and even more international exposure.
Pogba's Road to Rebuilding
What really makes this story more interesting, though, is how Pogba has been conspicuously silent about Juventus in his public statements since the reduction of the suspension. That could be a clear signal that his time with the Italian club is drawing to a close. For instance, on social media, Pogba posted a picture of cleats and French socks along with a clock emoji, signaling his return is close. But again, his complete omission of any reference to Juventus speaks volumes.
He will return in March 2025, where Pogba must find a club that believes in him while at the same time giving him the resources to rebuild his career. And that is where exactly MLS can become an ideal destination for Pogba: less pressurizing compared to European leagues and having been utilized effectively by well-established players to write new chapters in their careers.
MLS: Where the Stars Belong
Over time, MLS has carved its niche as the go-to destination for names like veterans and global stars. Zlatan Ibrahimović, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and more recently, Lionel Messi, are some of the other noted names that found a new phase of their careers in the U.S. So has been the case with Pogba. He would be coming with a reputation to rebuild but with the skill and charisma to do so, drawing even more attention to the league.
There is also the business side of things. MLS does love players who perform on the pitch but at the same time attract a large fanbase and earn them money off the pitch. Pogba perfectly fits this bill. His creation of social media content, advertising campaigns, and his global icon status would make him nothing less than an ambassador to MLS while being able to contribute directly to the soccer scene in the United States.
The Impact that MLS did to Pogba
Without the pressure of needing to "save" a big club or fight for league and Champions League titles, Pogba could restart his career as an MLS leader with his huge experience and talent. But he also would have an opportunity to live and play in a country that is increasingly appreciative of soccer, where his style and personality will instantly be loved.
Goodbye, Juventus
Paul Pogba's Juventus adventure is about to end. The year was 2022 when he arrived in Turin, and fans were dreaming about him repeating the magic of his first spell with the Bianconeri. But that never happened: injuries, poor form, and, finally, the suspension for doping killed all hopes of a glorious comeback. Now he is ready to turn the page with the likely termination of his contract.
The wheels are in motion already, although his return to the sport is set for March 2025. He will have the opportunity to rewrite his story as a free agent in new surroundings, and MLS seems like the perfect place to do so. For instance, the American league adores big names, and Pogba most definitely is one. The future certainly seems bright for the French star-so long as he's ready to embrace this new chapter.