Few footballers in the modern era are as sought after and recognisable as Paul Pogba, with the talismanic Frenchman having produced the goods for both punters and international betting sites for the best part of a decade.
However, a 4-year ban for doping threatens not only to hamper his reputation but could potentially end the playing career of one of the stars of his generation.
Alongside his contemporaries Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba transcends the world of football and his status as a global sporting icon has long been established.
The French World Cup winner in 2018, who spearheaded the nation to success in Russia has always endured his fair share of off-field issues, but his latest scrape looks to be hugely costly to his career and his reputation.
Pogba has been hit with a 4-year ban for failing a random drug test whilst playing for Juventus in the early stages of the 2023/24 season and his career now looks to be at a crossroads of sorts.
World at his feet
Despite things not working out at Manchester United when he was first at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Pogba’s performances in a Juventus shirt during his first spell in Turin, really demonstrated just how talented he was.
Pogba was a key cog in a Juve team that won the Serie A title on 4 occasions and who reached the Champions League Final in 2015 – as well as his countless telling contributions for his national side France.
When Pogba returned to Manchester United for the princely sum of £90 million in the summer of 2016, he was expected to turn things around dramatically at Old Trafford, something he was never quite able to achieve.
However, Pogba played a key role in France winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia and he has produced incredible moments for both punters and betting sites over the past decade.
Injury Issues
For all the conjecture that surrounds Paul Pogba and his every movement, he has been a player that has been plagued by injury issues in recent times.
Having left Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Pogba has only managed 28 league appearances since 2021 for both United and Juventus, as his body looks to have given up on him somewhat.
The news of his drugs ban came after a seemingly promising start to the 2023/24 season for Pogba and Juventus and who knows if he will ever be seen on the field of play for Juventus again.
Unfulfilled talent?
Calling a World Cup winner plus a winner of 11 further major honours an unfulfilled talent seems a little unfair, but such is the esteem that Pogba is held that it does feel that he could have done more in the game.
His first spell at Juventus will always be remembered for lung busting runs and incredible vision, whilst at Manchester United, he often dragged the team along with him single-handedly.
Yet, his career looks set to fall under yet another cloud and if he does have to endure a 4-year ban, Paul Pogba will slip away from the game that he gave so much to and that gave so much to him.
Paul Pogba has been hit with a 4-year doping ban as his incredible career looks set to come to an end.
A player that has always been impressive on the eye, Pogba has won 12 major trophies as a professional, but that number doesn’t look set to rise, with Pogba due to be 34 years old when his ban expires in 2028.
