Speculation about the future of Paul Pogba, the French World Cup winner, has reached new heights following his appearance at Los Angeles FC's recent home game against Austin FC. After serving an 18-month doping ban, the 32-year-old midfielder is now on the lookout for his next professional opportunity, and many are wondering if he might make the United States his next destination.
Pogba attended the game on or around March 17, 2025, where he reunited with former teammates Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris. Although the match ended unfavorably for LAFC, who lost 1-0, Pogba’s presence sparked excitement and hope among fans. Clips of him greeting Giroud and Lloris circulated widely on social media, with fans calling for the trio to join forces once again on the pitch.
Despite these calls for him to join LAFC, it seems Pogba may have other plans. Reports suggest he has spoken with David Beckham about possibly joining Inter Miami, yet his primary goal is to return to European football to solidify his chances of being selected for France’s 2026 World Cup squad. A potential European return could see him linked with clubs such as Fiorentina, Marseille, or even possibilities within La Liga.
John Thorrington, LAFC's general manager and co-president, shared insights on the club's philosophy when courting big-name players, emphasizing their commitment to building what he described as “a championship culture.” He stated, "From the outset, we have been a club that's been very proud of representing Los Angeles. And as abstract as it may sound, it's something strategic about representing what's best about LA. And part of LA is we are a city of stars." Thorrington continued, acknowledging the role of star players but making it clear they never sign anyone merely for marketing reasons. He emphasized, "Yes, LA is a city of stars. And I think those types of players help attract attention for the city, which is different from other markets."
While this enthusiasm for Pogba to come to MLS is palpable, it may not happen soon. According to ESPN, sources indicate Pogba could remain a free agent until summer 2025, as he assesses his options to maximize his return to the sport. France head coach Didier Deschamps has been discussing Pogba's return with him, expressing his faith, saying, "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." It seems clear Deschamps is optimistic about Pogba's potential future endeavors.
The MLS continues to be a proving ground for international players, with many turning to the league as they navigate various stages of their careers. This year, Paul Pogba's situation will undoubtedly keep fans and analysts engaged as they speculate on where he might end up next. His connections with stars of the league and past partnerships provide rich narratives as the transfer window remains open.
Meanwhile, the competitive nature of this MLS season is evident. The fourth week showcased several standout performances across the league. Brian White made headlines by scoring the only goal to lead Vancouver Whitecaps to victory against FC Dallas, solidifying their position as the only unbeaten team remaining. Lionel Messi also maintained his status as one of the league's key players, finding the net and assisting as Inter Miami CF secured another win against Atlanta United, keeping their unbeaten streak alive.
Young talent also shone brightly this weekend. New York City FC's Julian Fernandez, just 21 years old, played a pivotal role by scoring the opener and assisting the match-winner against the New England Revolution. Similarly, Guilherme Biro from Austin FC cemented his place as the team's hero with the only goal against LAFC. Not to be outdone, Dejan Joveljic made waves for Sporting Kansas City, finding the back of the net to grab his team their first point of the season after they initially trailed 3-0 against Minnesota.
With the 2025 MLS season underway and packed with excitement, the spotlight remains firmly on players like Pogba, who, even off the pitch, are shaping headlines. His next move will be closely watched not only for its impact on his career but also on the league, as he weighs his options for the road to recovery and potential resurgence.
