Paul Pogba has tested positive in a backup doping test. The player’s career is expected to be severely disrupted.
Fabrizio Romano, a renowned expert on the European soccer transfer market, posted on his social media account on June 6, “Pogba tested positive in a backup doping test. Juventus will decide what to do with Pogba’s contract as he faces a lengthy ban.”
Pogba was once rated as a top prospect. A former Manchester United player, Pogba moved to Juventus after failing to establish himself at the club. Pogba rose to prominence in a Juventus shirt. His technical dribbling and powerful shooting made him a key part of the Juventus midfield.
At the time, Juventus had a formidable midfield. In addition to Pogba, they had Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Artur Vidal. Juventus dominated Serie A. Since the 2011-12 season, Juventus has won nine consecutive Scudetto’s. Pogba was part of four of them. Juventus also reached the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final in the 2014-15 season, albeit losing to Barcelona.
Pogba returned to United with his stock rising. The transfer fee was €105 million. At the time, it was the highest transfer fee in United’s history. At United, Pogba became the focal point of the midfield, creating crucial scoring chances with his trickery and flickering passes, sometimes with powerful mid-range shots. In his first season, Pogba scored nine goals and provided six assists, including one in a cup competition.
But as the season progressed, Pogba wasn’t as devastating as he once was. The problem was that there was no one to support him. On top of that, there were rumors of a falling out with Jose Mourinho. Pogba even dropped his vice-captaincy. The feud ended when Mourinho was sacked in the middle of the 2018-19 season. Coincidentally, Pogba has been in great form since Mourinho’s departure.
Pogba has also had his moments of glory with the French national team. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, France came out on top. It was their first World Cup title in 20 years. Pogba started every game except for the third group stage match. France reached the final thanks to a potent offense. They defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final. Pogba even scored a goal in the final.
After becoming the best midfielder in the world, Pogba’s career went downhill. Injuries slowed him down. His time on the sidelines increased and he wasn’t as good as before. There were also attitude controversies. Eventually, United let Pogba, who cost them €105 million, leave on a free transfer. Pogba returned to Juventus.
Pogba has also been plagued by injuries at Juventus. Pogba made just four league appearances last season. All of them were substitute appearances. Pogba played a total of 108 minutes in those four games. He returned this season, only to be sidelined again. Then came the shocking news.
Pogba took a doping test in the match against Udinese, a match he didn’t play in. He tested positive for testosterone. The BBC reported, “Pogba was not 사설토토 on the pitch at the time but was randomly selected and tested positive for doping. Pogba could face a two- to four-year ban if found guilty,” according to the BBC.
Juventus also acknowledged Pogba’s positive doping test. “We would like to inform you that Pogba has received a suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal (NADO) following a doping test conducted on August 20,” Juventus said in a statement. Pogba denied doping, saying it was the result of a supplement. However, he tested positive in a further doping test and could face a ban of up to four years for violating the anti-doping rules. Pogba’s career is at a critical juncture.