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French midfielder Paul Pogba has opened up about the emotional toll of his football suspension, revealing that the period left him feeling isolated as friends, sponsors and even some loved ones distanced themselves from him.
The former Juventus and Manchester United star, who tested positive for a banned substance in 2023, said the suspension affected every aspect of his life beyond football. Although his initial four-year ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal, Pogba admitted the experience became a painful lesson about genuine relationships.
Reflecting on the difficult period, Pogba said: “When I was banned from football, it really hit me. People avoided me, even my wife at times and that hurt the most. Brands cancelled deals and fashion shows stopped inviting me.”
The 33-year-old, who has since returned to professional football with Ligue 1 side Monaco, said the experience changed his outlook on life, teaching him that there is more to life than fame and success.
His comments have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users sympathising with his experience. One user wrote: “Relatable, when you’re at your lowest, you will know who is really there for you. You’ll go through hell and pain on a daily basis. But hell doesn’t last forever. Once you get back up, be BRUTAL. Only show up for those who showed up for you. Only reach out to those who reached out to you.”
Another user focused on Pogba’s remarks about his family, saying: “The biggest betrayal in all this is the part where he says the wife avoided him sometimes. This is worse than even the brands that avoided him. Brands have no connection with you; it’s strictly business… but the wife who should be at your side in difficult times, avoiding you? That is the biggest betrayal.”
Pogba returned to professional football earlier this year after serving his reduced suspension and is now hoping to rebuild his career with Monaco.
