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Paul Pogba has been given two compelling reasons why a switch to Major League Soccer (MLS) or the Saudi Pro League could be ideal for him at this stage of his career, following a disappointing comeback campaign with Monaco. Former Monaco player John Arne Riise expressed his frustration at seeing the ex-Manchester United and Juventus midfielder fail to rediscover his spark in France.

The question many are asking is how many appearances Pogba managed for Monaco during the 2025-26 season.

For the 2018 World Cup winner, getting back to his best was always going to be a challenge, especially after missing a significant amount of football due to a doping ban. Although that suspension was reduced from four years to 18 months, the dynamic French midfielder still spent far more time on the sidelines than he would have wanted.

Monaco eventually handed Pogba an opportunity to return to top-level football, marking his first experience in Ligue 1 in his home country. Born and raised on the outskirts of Paris, there were understandably high expectations for his revival at Stade Louis II.

However, those hopes have dimmed over the course of the 2025-26 season, which saw Pogba make only six appearances and fail to score a goal. Riise, who represented Monaco for three seasons before his move to Liverpool, had been eager to see the "unbelievable player" he once admired reignite his career on the French Riviera.

Reacting to Pogba’s decline, Riise told GOAL in an interview courtesy of Betinia that he felt saddened to see the 33-year-old struggling to recapture his old form: “He was such an unbelievable player. He was unique because he played with so much joy. When he was at his best, he smiled, enjoyed the game, and didn’t take everything so seriously.”

Riise continued: “It’s a bit sad seeing how things have gone for him over the last few years. I was really hoping he’d find some rhythm at Monaco and remind everyone what he’s capable of, but injuries and other issues have held him back. It’s unfortunate.”

He added: “That’s how sport goes sometimes. Maybe some of his decisions haven’t helped him, and once injuries start piling up and age catches up, it’s tough to recover. I really wanted him to succeed at Monaco.”

Riise also questioned Pogba’s future at the club: “I’m not sure if he’ll stay at Monaco beyond this season. Hopefully, he can have a strong summer and productive pre-season. From the clips I’ve seen, he doesn’t look as sharp or fit as he could be, but I hope he proves me wrong, gets fully fit, and bounces back next season.”

When asked whether Pogba might move to the MLS or Saudi Pro League, Riise weighed in: “If he feels his body and mind aren’t ready to give 110% commitment—which is what Monaco needs if they want to challenge at the top in France—then maybe MLS or Saudi Arabia could be the right move for him. Those leagues would let him play football and enjoy life at the same time.”

He added: “Monaco is a fantastic place to live too, but if he’s not ready to give his all, then it might be time to move on and let others take over.”

Pogba remains under contract with Monaco until the summer of 2027, although a mutual agreement could see that deal terminated earlier. For now, he has a full off-season ahead to rebuild his fitness and convince Monaco’s management that he deserves another chance. The midfielder will also be following France’s next World Cup campaign from afar.

Known for his upbeat personality and love for the game, Pogba may yet find a way to reignite his professional momentum. For now, any comparisons to the late-career moves of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo might be on hold for at least another year.