Paul Pogba has been out of the spotlight for a while—but his return to the pitch might be closer than expected.
After nearly 20 months without a competitive game, a fresh opportunity has popped up, and it could be in the heart of the U.S. capital.
The 32-year-old French midfielder, who once lit up stadiums for Manchester United and Juventus, is reportedly being courted by Major League Soccer side DC United.
And by the looks of it, they’ve made a serious move by acquiring his “discovery rights”—a quirky MLS rule that gives them exclusive first dibs to negotiate.
What’s Been Going On With Pogba Since Juventus?
Let’s rewind a bit. Pogba hasn’t played a competitive match since September 2023, when he was still with Juventus.
Things took a nosedive soon after when he tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.
The initial punishment? A four-year ban.
But in a major turn of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport stepped in and slashed that suspension to 18 months earlier this year.
While he’s not cleared to officially return just yet, he’s inching closer—physically and legally—to a fresh chapter in his career.
DC United Leads the Race in the MLS
According to The Washington Post, DC United has been quietly working behind the scenes for months, trying to lock in a deal with Pogba.
They’ve secured his discovery rights, which in MLS terms means that if any other team wants to sign him, they’ll have to negotiate with DC United first—or pay up.
Talks are still ongoing, especially around personal terms, but DC seems determined to make the World Cup winner part of their rebuild.
If it happens, it could be one of the biggest MLS signings in recent memory.
Pogba’s Been Keeping Busy in Miami
Even though he’s not officially signed with anyone, Pogba hasn’t been lounging around.
He’s been training down in Miami, focusing on his fitness and trying to stay sharp for a return.
While offers have reportedly come in from clubs in Europe and South America—like Marseille, Corinthians, and even Manchester City—nothing has stuck just yet.
Mail Sport noted that Pogba’s not expected to sign anywhere before the current season wraps up, but things can move fast in football.
KSI Wants Pogba in the Baller League
In a surprising—and kind of hilarious—twist, YouTuber and entrepreneur KSI threw his hat in the ring and said he’d love to see Pogba in the Baller League, a glitzy six-a-side tournament played weekly at London’s Copper Box Arena.
KSI even claimed the two are “in talks,” joking that if Pogba were to join, he’d probably end up at N5, a team managed by Arsenal legends like Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg.
“He’s a free agent. We follow each other on socials. We are in talks,” KSI said with a laugh.
What’s Next for Pogba?
Whether he ends up lighting up MLS stadiums or pulling strings in a celebrity-packed six-a-side league, one thing’s for sure—Pogba’s comeback is becoming one of the more intriguing football stories of the year.
He’s got the talent, the name, and now potentially the platform.
All that’s left is for the right deal to land. Until then, fans will be watching closely, waiting for the moment the charismatic midfielder steps back on the pitch.