Monaco terminate Paul Pogba’s contract after ex-Man United star suffered latest injury – only days on from his wife hitting out at claims he should retire

Monaco have terminated Paul Pogba’s contract a year early after the French midfielder suffered another setback in his battles with injury.

Pogba had been trying to revive his career following an 18-month doping ban but only featured in six games last season while earning £44,000-a-week at the Ligue 1 side. 

The former Man United midfielder suffered a knee issue after 45 minutes of pre-season and another setback with a thigh injury last week.

Monaco have now confirmed an agreement has been reached with Pogba to end his contract early.

The Ligue 1 club praised Pogba’s ‘unwavering determination’ and ‘utmost professionalism’ during his spell.

‘Having jointly concluded that the objectives initially set were only partially achieved, AS Monaco and Paul Pogba have decided, ahead of the first match of the new season, to bring an end to the contract that was due to run until June 2027,’ a statement read.

‘The Club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner for the trust he placed in the institution and for the utmost professionalism he demonstrated throughout his time in Monaco.

‘During his spell in AS Monaco colours, Paul displayed a remarkable mindset, unwavering determination and the highest standards at every moment. 

‘Through all his efforts, he was able to return to top-level competition after a long period away from the game, while also sharing his experience and expertise with the first-team squad.

‘AS Monaco sincerely thanks Paul and wishes him every success in the future.’

Confirmation of Pogba’s exit comes days after his wife Zulay, 33, defended her husband online after fans suggested he should consider retirement amid his continued injury problems. 

She wrote: ‘For all the people saying Paul should retire or he came back to football for the money, let me make this clear, the only one who knows when he will retire is God.

‘And for the ones who say he came back for the money, trust me we are very good with money, thank God.’

‘Social media accepts everything. People can sit behind a screen and say whatever they want, insult someone, question their intentions and forget that there is an actual human being on the other side. 

‘For those questioning what he has left to prove, let me remind you he achieved the dream every footballer in the world grows up chasing, dreaming to have. He won the World Cup for his country.’

Zulay is a Bolivian model and influencer and the couple met in 2017 before getting married two years later. They have two sons aged seven and six together. 

Daily Mail Sport understands he was offered to MLS clubs last week.

Pogba was cleared to return to football in March 2025 after having a four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal. 

He had already left Juventus after having that contract terminated by mutual consent in December 2024. 

Pogba was emotional when he signed for Monaco last summer, describing his comeback as a second chance after what he called ‘a time of darkness’.

The midfielder told Daily Mail Sport in 2024 that he discovered news of his reduced ban while preparing for a film premiere, adding: ‘We went through hell. A time of darkness. But this is my second chance, I have to use it.’