Pogba Wins Big, Addresses Ronaldo

Paul Pogba. Photo: Gallo Images/Emmanuele Ciancaglini

AS Monaco star Paul Pogba continues to enjoy a fruitful return to professional football, having now won an award with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo featuring prominently in the Frenchman’s acceptance speech.

Paul Pogba’s journey back to the top level of football has been anything but straightforward. In September 2023, the midfielder was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels while playing for Serie A giants Juventus. 

Pogba appealed the ruling, maintaining that the substance entered his system due to a medical error. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later reduced the suspension to 18 months, paving the way for his return. 

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After nearly two years away from the professional game, the former Manchester United star finally made his comeback on November 22 after signing for AS Monaco.

Since joining the Ligue 1 side, Pogba has been carefully reintegrated into action. He has featured in three matches for Monaco, accumulating a total of 30 minutes on the pitch as he continues to rebuild match fitness and sharpness.

While the numbers may be modest, his presence alone marks a significant milestone following a prolonged and challenging absence from the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets credited for his influence

That comeback was recognised recently when the France international was nominated for, and went on to win, the Best Comeback Award at the recent 2025 Globe Soccer Awards. 

The same ceremony also celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to defy time. The attacker ended the year on a high by scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al-Akhdood on Saturday, taking his career tally to an astonishing 956 goals. 

Not long after, he was crowned Best Player at the Globe Soccer 2025 awards.

While collecting his own award, Pogba took the opportunity to reflect on his personal struggles and the people who stood by him. 

“It wasn’t easy… It was a very important moment for me, in my life, to see what really, the people that were really there for you, the people that really love you when you are outside the shiny moment,” Pogba said per Marca.

He added: “This award means a lot, for me and for my wife… we’ve gone through so much together. She helped me a lot, and my kids kept me smiling.”

Pogba also made sure to acknowledge Ronaldo, his former Red Devils teammate, crediting the Portuguese star for inspiring both his generation and those that follow.

“Cristiano, you are here, you have inspired all of us as a soccer player. You did this for the next generation. Big thank you, Cristiano.”

Ronaldo’s influence was echoed elsewhere during the ceremony, with Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal also making headlines. 

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The 18-year-old prodigy picked up two awards on the night — Best Forward and Best U23 Men’s Player — but it was his words, rather than his silverware, that stood out.

Often compared to Lionel Messi, Yamal was asked which player he would prefer being likened to. 

Instead of embracing comparisons, he cited Ronaldo as an example of individuality and self-belief.

“In the end, it’s best not to compare yourself to anyone,” Yamal said per WION.

“Players like Cristiano Ronaldo did what they did because they wanted to be themselves and not compare themselves to others. I want to build my own path.”

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