Paul Pogba was seen in viral footage getting a French fan pack hyped ahead of the last 16 encounter between France and Belgium on July 1, 2024.
Les Blues crept out of the Düsseldorf Arena, with a slim 1-0 win over the Red Devils, courtesy of an own goal by defender Jan Vertonghen.
Pogba was present at the stadium and he witnessed the encounter, with cameras panning on him from time to time.
France’s Quarter-final Opposition?
Didier Deschamps’ side will battle Portugal in the quarter-finals in what promises to be a combative affair for a place in the last 4.
France have been underwhelming at the tournament despite making it this far and they will be hoping to improve their showing against Portugal, who are also hungry for the big continental prize.
Pogba Under Ban For Doping
Meanwhile, Pogba is currently under a four-year ban from football for doping by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal.
How Old Will Paul Pogba Be When The Ban Ends?
Paul Pogba will be 34 when the ban comes to an end, with the suspension running until August 2027, having been dated back to August 23, 2023, when he failed the drug test following Juventus’ 0-3 victory over Udinese.
The 31-year-old subsequently claimed that he was innocent and that he would appeal the punishment heaped on him.
He said: “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
There is currently no update on his appeal and it appears Pogba is willing to serve the full length of the suspension or get it reduced to two years.
Pogba has taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports and his fans are definitely hoping for positive news in the coming weeks or months, depending on how long the matter is adjudicated.
In the viral footage shared by the French Football Federation on X (formerly known as Twitter), Paul Pogba was seen taking a video selfie with the fans at the pack as they chanted enthusiastically and vigorously.
I am not finished – Pogba
Moreover, Pogba has expressed his desire to return to the pitch, stressing that he is keen on fighting for his career.
The former Manchester United man said: “I want to fight this, for me, injustice. An interview has come out, I don’t know if you’ve seen it all, they put something that … I hadn’t finished talking.”
“Pogba isn’t finished, Pogba is here and until you see me say that I’m finished, don’t worry. I have an incredible desire to come back, I feel like a child who wants to be professional. I train, I do everything I can to get back on the pitch.”
Paul Pogba also squashed reports that his contract at Juventus has been ripped up, he said: “The latest news is I’m still a Juve player, I have the contract, but I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to the director and coach … there’s silence. I think they’re waiting for the outcome of the appeal, but you have to ask them.”
Paul Pogba At Juventus
Paul Pogba is still contracted to Italian giants Juventus as the footballer affirms and his contract with the Turin-based club runs until June 30, 2026.
It is uncertain if the ban will be cut short at some point for the Frenchman to return to football, but he is determined to keep fit pending when his ban ends or if it is abruptly halted before its stipulated time frame.
Paul Pogba With France
Pogba was amongst France’s contingent that clinched the 2018 FIFA World Cup title in Russia, beating Croatia 4-1 in the final.
Paul Pogba also played for Les Blues during Euro 2024 and he had an impressive outing until Didier Deschamps’ side were bundled out of the tournament 5-4 on penalties by Switzerland, after playing out a frantic 3-3 draw in normal time and extra time.
Paul Pogba
Pogba is a versatile player, lauded for his outstanding passing ability alongside his trickery and energy on the pitch.
Pogba’s Parents
Paul Pogba was born on March 15, 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, to mother Yeo Pogba, and father Fassou Antoine Pogba.
Paul Pogba’s Siblings
Pogba has two older siblings – Florentin Pogba and Mathias Pogba, who are also footballers, although they are also presently not active.
Paul Pogba Salary
Based on reported contractual details, the 31-year-old earns about €180, 000 per week at Juventus, although conflicting reports claim he is currently paid just around €2,000 per week due to the doping ban.
Achievements
Paul Pogba has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 1 UEFA Europa League, and 4 Serie A titles.
Individually, Pogba was given the Golden Boy award in 2013 for his remarkable display with Juventus and France.
The 31-year-old has also won several other top individual awards, including; the 2014 FIFA World Cup Young Player Award and the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award.
Paul Pogba Career Stats
He has made 423 appearances across all competitions, scoring 73 goals and providing 89 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Paul Pogba has made 91 appearances for France, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists.
