Paul Pogba Monaco debut vs Rennes after 811 days out Ligue 1 return reaction

I would not be surprised if he gets an ovation in most away grounds in France now. Everyone loves a storyline and he is one of the big modern what ifs.
 
In terms of talent, only a handful of midfielders of this era could hit those laser diagonals and half turn drives he used to do. Even small flashes of that are worth tuning in for.
 
As bettors we love to act cold and rational but clips like this remind you why you started watching football in the first place. Before odds and spreadsheets there was just that feeling.
 
If he somehow ends up at a World Cup again off the back of Monaco cameos it will be one of the funniest redemption arcs ever. From banned to farming group stage midfields.
 
Just hope his body holds. More than any bet or narrative I do not want his last memory on a pitch to be limping off somewhere in Ligue 1.
 
It is also hilarious timing wise that people joked about seeing Pogba back before GTA 6 and it actually happened. Internet never forgets.
 
For now I am rating this as step one only. No pogback jokes from me, just a small green tick that he made it onto the pitch again.
 
Give it three or four matches and we will know more. Does he move freely, does he last 30, does Monaco trust him in tighter games. That is when we reassess.
 
Until then, enjoy the five minute highlight reels and the Rennes ovation. Football rarely gives clean storylines, lets take this little nice one.
 
If Teddy Smith ever actually exists as a player he is going to have a wild cult following after this thread.
 
Low key feel like Monaco should lean into the narrative and build the team so Pogba does not have to run as much. Surround him with legs, let him ping passes and manage the tempo.
 
It all depends on fitness though. Deschamps and every coach will say the same. If he is not fit there is zero chance. If he is, then history with France keeps the door open.
 
Seeing him smile walking off made me oddly happy. After courtrooms and headlines, just a dude in a football kit again. That is the picture I prefer in my head.
 
Career might go down as wasted potential for some but honestly most pros would kill for his medal list. Context matters but so does perspective.
 
If next game he comes on at two nil up instead of four nil down and still looks good, hype will double. Markets will adjust and so will expectations.
 
Until then, small stakes, big popcorn and enjoy the show. Some players are just fun background noise for a weekend acca and Pogba is one of them.
 
If anyone here still believes he becomes prime Juve Pogba again, I admire your optimism but I will happily be on the other side of that projection.
 
For Ligue 1 neutrals this is a free bonus. You already had fun games and now there is a late career Pogba subplot to follow on Sunday nights.
 
Whatever happens next, first line is locked in the story. After 800 days out, he came on in the 85th minute, four nil down, and still the whole stadium stood up.
 
Happy for him, happy for Rennes fans and happy for all of us who get at least a few more clips of that left foot spraying passes around.
 
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