Jump directly to the content

Paul Pogba will be among the most high-profile names missing on the Euro 2024 stage this summer as France gun for glory.

Pogba once formed half of the best midfield partnership in international football alongside N'Golo Kante but his last few years have been torrid.

Pogba helped France win the World Cup in 2018 with many superb displays
3
Pogba helped France win the World Cup in 2018 with many superb displays

He was a major player in France's revival from their humiliating group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup to becoming champions eight years later.

The 31-year-old has been hampered by injuries in recent years that saw him miss out in Qatar as Les Blues failed to defend their crown.

However, despite returning to full fitness at the start of this season, Pogba's future in football is currently in major doubt.

Why isn't Pogba playing for France?

Juventus star Pogba is currently serving a four-year ban after failing a drugs test while playing for the Old Lady at the start of the season.

Read more on Paul Pogba

The midfielder was provisionally suspended in September after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone in his system.

The former Manchester United star was randomly tested after Juve's first match of the season, a 3-0 win at Udinese on August 20.

Pogba was an unused substitute in that game but had two cameo outings against Bologna and Empoli before his ban was announced.

The ex-France international is appealing his lengthy suspension but if the ruling is upheld he will be unable to play until September 2027.

Pogba may never play football at an elite level again after his ban
3
Pogba may never play football at an elite level again after his banCredit: AFP
Pogba released a statement on social media and received support from a number of teammates
3
Pogba released a statement on social media and received support from a number of teammatesCredit: Instagram

Even in the unlikely scenario that he's instantly reinstated upon appeal, it won't happen in time for him to feature in Euro 2024.

French football journalist Julian Laurens told talkSPORT in February that he doesn’t believe Pogba intentionally doped.

He said: “I’ve known Paul for a very long time now and I know it’s a cliche but I can say with my hand on my heart that he’s not that kind of guy, he really isn’t.

“I want to believe him when he said he didn’t know there was testosterone in the food supplements that he took.

Simon Jordan reacts to Paul Pogba receiving a four year ban from football following a failed drugs test

“I really want to believe he didn’t dope to make himself stronger, fitter or better, but then again I was not there with him seeing what he was taking.”

On Pogba's appeal, Laurens added: “There’s a point with this when the A sample was positive and the B sample was positive again that really there’s no way out for him.”

Topics