Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba’s recent struggles seem to be compounding as he faces a provisional suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO) announced this development, revealing that the test conducted after Juventus’s Serie A season-opening victory over Udinese on August 20 detected the presence of testosterone, a substance known for its ability to enhance endurance in athletes.
NADO Italia stated, “In acceptance of the instance proposed by the national anti-doping prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba.” This provisional suspension has raised questions about Pogba’s future in football.
Pogba’s return to Juventus from Manchester United last year has been plagued by injuries, limiting his participation on the field. He struggled with knee and hamstring injuries and underwent knee surgery, which ultimately prevented him from representing France in the World Cup in Qatar.
Paul Pogba Has Faced Off-Field Challenges
Additionally, off-field challenges have added to Pogba’s woes. He reported being a target of extortion attempts and threats from an organized gang, with even his brother, Mathias, coming under investigation in connection with the case.
Paul Pogba revealed in an interview with Al Jazeera that these incidents had taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, to the point where he contemplated retiring from the sport.
“Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me — not for the fame, not for the money,’” he said.
As Pogba’s future hangs in the balance due to both on-field and off-field issues, it remains to be seen how this chapter unfolds in his career and personal life.
His contract with Juventus expires in June 2026.