When the Fame Died, So Did the Loyalty — Paul Pogba Opens Up on His Darkest Days

France
By News House Sports Desk

In a raw and emotional sit-down on TF1’s Sept à Huit, World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba laid bare the heartbreak of his 18-month doping ban—originally a four-year suspension—and the loneliness that followed.

Pogba’s Confession: Fame Fades, So Do Friends

Pogba recalled the moment disbelief turned into isolation:

“When the doping ban happened, I realised what life is. ‘Paul Pogba, the famous guy, is no more. People were avoiding me. I used to get invited to fashion weeks & events… Now they were like ‘We can’t use Pogba.’ My friends weren’t ringing like the way they were ringing before.”

He also admitted to contemplating ending his football career if the full four-year ban had stood:

“If they'd given me four years, I would have quit football… It worked on me like a full reset. I aged ten years in one go.” 

The Ban and Its Repercussions

• August 2023: Tested positive for DHEA; received a four-year ban, later reduced to 18 months on appeal

• November 2024: Contract with Juventus terminated 

• June 2025: Signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, breaking down in tears and citing a profound sense of betrayal during his suspension, particularly by Juventus for offering little support 

Emotional Fallout and Reflection

Pogba didn't shy away from acknowledging the pain:

• He described feeling abandoned: "It broke me but also opened my eyes. I now know my real friends—or how few they are."

• He revealed deep family trauma, especially around his brother Mathias, whose legal troubles left Pogba fearing for his life 

• He disclosed contemplating retirement and experiencing accelerated emotional aging—transformations he described as aging “ten years in one go” 

Expert Reflection

Former football star Graeme Souness described Pogba’s situation as tragic:

“I criticised him … because I saw that huge potential. Instead … he wasted his career.” 

Bigger Lesson: Wealth Attracts, Adversity Reveals

Pogba’s story underscores a profound truth:

“Success reveals who admires you… but failure reveals who truly values you.”

His words—and tears—remind us that fame can be fleeting, but character endures.