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Paul Pogba

Zulay Pogba, wife of French football star Paul Pogba, has pushed back against suggestions that the midfielder should retire, insisting that the decision over his future belongs to him.

Her comments come at a difficult stage in Pogba’s career, with the 33-year-old facing renewed uncertainty over his future at AS Monaco after a limited return to competitive football.

Pogba has reportedly managed only six appearances for Monaco since joining the club, with persistent fitness problems restricting his playing time. Recent reports also indicate that Monaco and the midfielder have been discussing an early termination of his contract.

The latest setback has intensified speculation about whether the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder should call time on his career.

Zulay, however, has defended her husband against suggestions that financial considerations are keeping him in football.

She reportedly stressed that Pogba would decide for himself when it was time to retire and argued that money was not the motivation behind his determination to continue playing.

Her intervention comes as Pogba attempts to navigate another difficult period in a career that has been affected by injuries and a doping suspension.

The midfielder was initially handed a four-year doping ban, which was later reduced on appeal to 18 months. He subsequently returned to professional football and joined Monaco in an effort to revive his career.

Pogba’s comeback, however, has been disrupted by fitness problems. He has struggled to establish himself at Monaco, making only limited appearances during the 2025/26 season.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Monaco is considering ending his contract, while his latest injury has further complicated his prospects.

Despite the uncertainty, retirement has not been presented as Pogba’s preferred immediate option.

The Frenchman remains a high-profile figure in world football, having played major roles for Juventus, Manchester United and the France national team. He was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad.

His current situation is nevertheless a sharp contrast to the peak of his career, when he was regarded as one of the leading midfielders in European football.

The debate over his future has consequently divided football supporters, with some arguing that repeated injuries and limited playing time could make retirement the logical option, while others believe he deserves another opportunity to rebuild his career.

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Zulay’s response adds a personal dimension to the debate, placing the decision firmly with Pogba rather than outside commentators.

With his Monaco future uncertain, the next stage of Pogba’s career could depend on his fitness, his willingness to continue competing and whether another club is prepared to give the World Cup winner an opportunity to prove himself again.