'All will be well' - Paul Pogba remaining upbeat despite four-year worldwide football ban as appeal nears for ex-Manchester United star

The World Cup winner, who remains on the books of Serie A giants Juventus, was stung with a lengthy suspension in February 2024. His career has been put on hold as a result, with the 31-year-old unable to train with or play for Italian employers.

That sanction was handed out as a result of failing doping tests in 2023. Pogba was found to have elevated levels of testosterone in his system, with the results of a ‘B’ sample also coming back positive. The France international is now taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Pogba has told Forbes when asked about his ban: “It's difficult to be totally honest. Football has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, I have my family, my faith, my friends, and my fans who have supported me, which makes things easier. All will be well.”

He added on efforts to clear his name: “Although I can’t speak so much about this, all roads lead to the appeal date. Until then, my focus is on staying fit and looking forward to the appeal.”

Pogba remains tied to a contract at Juventus through to 2026, with those terms reduced to the lowest possible amount at present. As things stand, the former Manchester United star will not be cleared to play again until August 2027 – by which time he will be 35 years of age.