Banned, Abandoned, and Back: Paul Pogba’s Inspiring Return to Football

BY JOHN MSAFIRI.

There are days life treats you like Pogba in Juventus. One minute, you’re the golden child with flashy hair, Mugithi energy, and midfield control smoother than Nigerian jollof rice, and the next minute, bam!

They ban you.
They drop you.
They cancel you like expired milk on a hot Nandi afternoon.

When FIFA slapped Paul Pogba with an 18-month ban for doping he never voluntarily did, it was like a death sentence for a footballer whose game thrives on rhythm, confidence, and public love. Juventus washed their hands faster than Pontius Pilate, terminated his contract, and moved on like he never coloured their midfield with flair and brilliance.

His friends in football? Silence.
Those group chats dried up like January pockets.
Even the loyal fans tweeting “Pogback” went quiet.
Imagine the loneliness. Imagine waking up every day to an empty training ground, your name trending only for ridicule, and your bank account questioning your life choices.

But he didn’t fold. He flew to America.
He met Messi.
And Messi, in his divine Argentinian calm, simply told him:

“Don’t give up. You’re still young. You can still come back and dominate.”

Those words probably stung and healed at the same time. Because there’s nothing as painfully beautiful as being reminded you’re still worthy when you feel like the world has spat you out.

The ancient philosopher Seneca said:

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

And for Pogba, just waking up to run drills alone when Juventus gates were locked to him was courage.

Think of Tiger Woods, cast away after personal scandals and injuries, only to win a major again at 43.
Or Serena Williams, shamed for her body and style, yet she rose every time to become not just a champion but a movement.
Or Ben Johnson, who lost everything to a doping scandal, though his journey ended differently because he never came back to dominate – a reminder that fate offers no guarantees.

Welcome Back, African Child

This weekend, Paul Pogba signed a 2-year contract with AS Monaco.
He cried.
Because when you’ve been abandoned, insulted, and erased, just having one person believe in you is enough to drown your bones in grateful tears.

He is back. Not as the flashy Manchester United superstar. Not as the world’s most expensive midfielder. But as Paul Labile Pogba – the African child who refused to die quietly.

Dear black child, dear forgotten champion, dear silent struggler, remember:

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius

So stand up. Tie your boots again.
Write again. Pitch again. Apply again. Love again.
Because as Pogba has shown us,
Your comeback is still loading…
And when it lands,
Let them know:

You never needed their permission to shine.



He’s back. Not as the world’s most expensive midfielder.
Not as the flashy Manchester United boy.
But as Paul Labile Pogba – the African child who refused to die quietly. 


One day you’re the golden child,
Flashy hair, rhumba feet, midfield magic
Smoother than Kamba love letters…
Then bam! – FIFA bans you,
For doping you never chose.

Juventus washes their hands,
Friends go silent,
Group chats dry up like January wallets.
Even your fans tweeting “Pogback” ghost you.
Your name becomes a meme.
Your confidence?
Devoured by wolves of ridicule.

But heroes…
They don’t die quietly.

Pogba flies to America.
He visits Messi.
Messi looks him in the eyes and says:

“Don’t give up.
You’re still young.
You can still come back and dominate.”

Simple words. Heavy meaning.
Because nothing heals
Like being reminded you’re still worthy
When the world calls you expired.

This weekend, he signed.
AS Monaco.
Two years.
He cried.
Because when abandonment is all you’ve known,
Just one person’s belief
Is enough to flood your bones with grateful tears.

So listen…

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” – Seneca

Your comeback is still loading…
Write again. Pitch again. Love again.
When it lands,
Let them know:

You never needed their permission to shine.

Welcome back, Pogba.
Welcome back, Ja Dunia.
Son of the world.
African child,
Never give up.


™©•® Johπ PoetKeyα Msαfiri 2025 JOHN MSAFIRI Spoken Word Poet | Media Relations Concierge | Strategic PR & Communications Specialist | Seasoned Writer | Thespian | Playwright | Copyrighter | Domestic Scandal Evangelist

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