By Ihechi Enyinnaya
French football star Paul Pogba has opened up about the emotional toll his doping suspension took on his personal life, revealing that even his wife felt the sting of isolation during his absence from the spotlight.
In a candid video, during his unveiling by AS Monaco, Pogba reflected on how fame and support quickly vanished after his provisional doping ban, which stemmed from a failed drug test in 2023. The former Manchester United midfielder said the silence was deafening—not only from the public but also from people who once courted his presence at exclusive events.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking revelation came when he spoke about his wife, who he said also experienced rejection by association.
“The worst thing—it was even my wife,” Pogba said emotionally. “People used to invite me to fashion week and events, but now it’s like, ‘Oh, we can’t use Pogba.’ You understand?”
Pogba’s remarks suggest the family’s social life was affected beyond the football pitch, with his wife facing subtle exclusion due to the controversy surrounding his name. The Juventus star, known for his flamboyant style and celebrity status, described the period as a sobering experience that forced him to re-evaluate what truly matters.
“I really realize what was life,” he said. “There’s no Paul Pogba, the famous guy… people were avoiding me. My phone wasn’t ringing like before. And I’m totally fine with this.”
The 2018 World Cup winner added that losing the game he loves made him understand its value even more.
“When you take something out that you love, you realize how much you love it and appreciate it.”
This deep reflection by Pogba offers a rare glimpse into the personal cost of scandal—not just for athletes, but for the families who stand with them in silence.