Juventus Ends Paul Pogba’s Contract Amid Doping Controversy
By Matthew Eloyi
Paul Pogba’s time at Juventus has officially come to an end after the Serie A giants announced on Friday that they had mutually terminated his contract, effective November 30, 2024.
This development follows the reduction of his doping ban to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Pogba, who tested positive for testosterone in September 2023, had initially been handed a four-year suspension by the Italian anti-doping authority, NADO.
CAS later slashed the ban, allowing the 31-year-old French midfielder to return to competitive football in March 2025.
In a statement, Juventus confirmed the decision to part ways with Pogba, whose contract had been due to run until 2026.
“Juventus and Pogba have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024,” the club announced.
Expressing his gratitude to the fans, Pogba shared a heartfelt message on social media: “You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I’ll always keep with me the love you showed me. You’ll always be in my heart. Good luck.”
Pogba’s return to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022 was marred by injuries, off-field controversies, and limited appearances.
The 2018 World Cup winner started just one match during his second stint with the club, a far cry from the stellar form he displayed during his first spell when he helped Juve secure four Serie A titles between 2012 and 2016.
Juventus’ decision to terminate Pogba’s contract comes as no surprise, given comments from coach Thiago Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who had referred to Pogba in the past tense, stating, “He was a great player.”
Pogba’s final appearance for Juventus was against Empoli in September 2023, shortly before his provisional suspension for doping.
His appeal earlier this year to forgo wages to continue playing for Juventus failed to sway the club’s decision.
As Pogba prepares for a potential return to football in March, his future in the sport remains uncertain, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in his otherwise illustrious career.