French football star Paul Pogba has spoken candidly about the loneliness and betrayal he experienced after his fall from fame due to a doping scandal. In a recent interview, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder described how quickly his world changed once the spotlight faded.
Pogba, who received a four-year ban for testing positive for a banned substance—later reduced to 18 months on appeal—said the ordeal exposed the true nature of many around him. “Paul Pogba, the famous guy, is no more,” he said, reflecting on how phone calls, invitations, and attention quickly disappeared.
According to the midfielder, friends, family, and even associates who once stayed close began avoiding him. “People started acting differently. It’s like I never existed,” Pogba shared.
He maintained his innocence, stating that he never knowingly consumed performance-enhancing substances and placed the blame on a supplement recommended by a doctor. With his return to football expected by March 2025, Pogba described the scandal as a harsh but enlightening chapter in his life.
The period, he said, revealed who his real supporters were and taught him never to depend on those who are only present during his moments of success.
See some of the comments below:
@akmedesign: Owo epo doesn’t apply to only Nigerians na
@mohitolewis: Omo Even his wife too
@ACTIVE_SQUARE: Not nobody cares, learn to be alone and it’s okay to be alone!!
@baddestc1991: Never rely on anyone in life
@Dr_Pharouk: This is how life is and that’s when you find out who your true friends are.
Watch the video below;
Paul Pogba reveals how ‘everyone’ started avoiding him after the fame di£d down. pic.twitter.com/57BlGthWI8
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) July 3, 2025
An emotional Paul Pogba was in tears after signing his first professional contract since being banned from playing in 2023
“Thanks for the trust”
An emotional Paul Pogba was in tears after signing his first professional contract since being banned from playing in 2023 😢📝 pic.twitter.com/FgOa96eLq9
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 29, 2025