On April 1, 2025, a rather surprising announcement shook the internet. Leça Futebol Clube, a modest club in the Portuguese third division, declared that they had signed Paul Pogba, the French international midfielder. This news immediately sparked astonishment and disbelief among netizens.
After having his doping suspension reduced, Paul Pogba has been allowed to play again since early March. Following the termination of his contract with Juventus, several European and Saudi clubs were rumored to be interested in the 2018 World Cup champion. However, to everyone's surprise, it was Leça FC who announced this Tuesday the signing of "La Pioche" on their social media.
The club posted a message in Portuguese, accompanied by a photo of Pogba, stating: "Welcome Paul Pogba! The player joins Leça FC on a permanent deal." But upon closer inspection, this announcement coincided with April 1st, traditionally associated with pranks. It appears that Leça FC seized this opportunity to execute a bold April Fool's joke.
This prank quickly spread across social media, eliciting reactions ranging from amusement to skepticism. It is important to note that Paul Pogba is still without a club as of today, despite rumors linking him to Olympique de Marseille or Major League Soccer.
In a staggering turn of events, Paul Pogba has been given the opportunity to team up with a previous Manchester United colleague in what would be a surprise comeback to football. The 32-year-old maestro was provisionally banned in September 2023 when he failed a drug test. Initially slapped with a four-year suspension in February 2024, the ex-France international's ban was slashed to just 18 months after he challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, greenlighting his return to team training in January.
Despite being ready to play, Pogba found himself without a club after Juventus terminated his contract, which was supposed to last until June 2026. Pogba has since been a free agent. Yet, a glimmering prospect has surfaced for Pogba. While offering his insights on Sky Sports commentary, YouTube sensation KSI divulged hopes that he could talk to the ex-United star about joining his Baller League.
When asked what player – past or present – he'd like to see at the Copper Box Arena in London, KSI replied: "There's someone I'm looking to talk to. Pogba. I just want to chat to him, see where he's at. I think Pogba would be a fantastic wildcard." He added, "We got [Joleon] Lescott today. Bro. I'm like, 'Bro this is crazy'. I'm excited to see what we can do in the future."
The possibility of Pogba joining Baller League UK could utterly stun European football, and he wouldn't be the only ex-United player in the league. Josh Harrop, remembered for his goalscoring debut at Old Trafford in May 2017 during a 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace, was picked by Clint419 to join FC Rules the World. Interestingly, that goal, which stands as Harrop's sole United strike, was set up by none other than Pogba himself.
Though their on-pitch partnership lasted a mere 45 minutes, they made a lasting impression, driving Jose Mourinho's team to victory. With the Baller League UK drawing to a close on June 11, any deal for Pogba would have to move rapidly, putting him on the brink of representing a fresh squad shortly – all contingent on his agreement and negotiations with KSI.
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed that he has been engaging with Pogba regarding his return to the sport. Deschamps disclosed: "He's supposed to be able to play again, but he doesn't have a club. We're talking, and I won't tell you the details. Yes, he has the ability and the mentality to return to the highest level. It won't happen overnight, but for the moment, he hasn't made a decision. We'll see."
Pogba has openly discussed his desire to rejoin the ranks of his national team: "The French team are exciting and I'm a big fan of them already. I can't wait to see how they further develop and win a future World Cup - hopefully with me as a team-mate." Speaking to Sky Sports in October 2024, Paul Pogba made it clear he's eager to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of football.
He declared: "I don't want to lose the level I am at. If I can surpass it, this is what I want. I'm still the same player but with a different hunger. I am more motivated. I am more hungry. I will appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me. I realised how important it was for me. I tasted what life is after the career. My vision is to show I am a footballer. A new Paul Pogba with the same qualities. I am still ready. I have to be ready and I trained for this moment so there wasn't a big gap to the other guys. It will take time, I know that, but I always motivate myself. I want to be ready and play."
As the football world watches closely, the future of Paul Pogba remains uncertain but filled with potential. Whether it be a move to the Baller League or a return to a more traditional football setting, one thing is clear: Pogba is determined to make his mark once again.
