In a significant recognition of his inspiring return to professional football, French international midfielder Paul Pogba was presented with the prestigious Comeback Award at the 16th Globe Soccer Awards. The esteemed event, which celebrates excellence in global football, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the evening of December 28, 2025. The accolade specifically celebrated Pogba’s remarkable resilience and his renewed presence in the sport, with the award notably handed over by legendary mixed martial arts fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
This special Comeback Award underscores Pogba’s challenging journey back to the professional pitch after an extended period of absence. The former Manchester United player had previously faced a four-year ban from football following a positive drug test, which occurred during his tenure with Italian club Juventus. However, a successful appeal led to a reduction of this suspension by the professional refereeing court, shortening the ban to one and a half years and clearing his path for an earlier return to competition.
The Globe Soccer organization instituted this particular award not only to acknowledge Pogba’s enduring talent and significant contributions to the game but also to formally and warmly welcome his re-entry into the professional football world with renewed confidence. Despite the well-documented hurdles he has faced, the 32-year-old French star continues to be recognized as one of the most capable and strongest midfielders in contemporary football, making him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.
Further solidifying his professional comeback, French top-tier club AS Monaco officially signed Pogba on June 29. This strategic move offers him a crucial opportunity to once again showcase his exceptional abilities and influence on the football field. This new chapter for Pogba follows a period after his departure from Manchester United and a second stint at Juventus that was, unfortunately, marked by frequent injury setbacks and the subsequent doping violation. Despite these recent challenges, it is important to remember his pivotal role in helping France secure victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.
In a separate key announcement made during the same Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, Ousmane Dembele, the talented forward from Paris Saint-Germain, was crowned the Player of the Year for 2025. Dembele earned this distinguished recognition for his outstanding performances throughout the 2024-25 season, where he played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphs in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.
