French midfielder Paul Pogba picked up the Best Comeback Award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on December 28, 2025. UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov handed him the trophy during the ceremony. Pogba, now 32 and playing for AS Monaco, got emotional on stage.
The award comes after a tough period. In 2023, Pogba tested positive for elevated testosterone levels while at Juventus. Authorities handed him a four-year ban at first.
He appealed, saying it came from a supplement mistake. The Court of Arbitration for Sport cut it to 18 months in October 2024. That let him train again in January 2025 and play from March.
Pogba signed with Monaco in the summer. He made his return in a Ligue 1 match against Rennes on November 23, 2025.
Since then, he has come off the bench in three games, playing just 30 minutes total. Coaches ease him back to avoid injury after such a long break.
On stage, Pogba thanked his family. He said the award meant a lot because they went through hard times together. His wife helped him a great deal, and his kids kept him going. Then he spotted Cristiano Ronaldo in the crowd and gave him a shout-out.
“Cristiano, you are here; you have inspired all of us as a soccer player. You did this for the next generation. Big thank you, Cristiano.” The two played together at Manchester United.
The Globe Soccer Awards celebrate top players, coaches, and moments each year. This time, Ousmane Dembélé won Best Men’s Player, and Lamine Yamal got the Maradona Award for young talent. Ronaldo picked up Best Middle East Player for his work with Al-Nassr.
Not everyone agreed with Pogba’s win. Some fans online said it felt early since he has barely played. Ligue 1 player Jimmy Cabot questioned it too, pointing to others who overcame big injuries.
A few called it a joke given the doping background. But supporters saw it as recognition for getting back on the field after 811 days away.
Pogba keeps working at Monaco. He hopes for more minutes soon and maybe a France national team recall. The award gives him a boost as 2025 ends.
The Dubai event drew big names from football. It showed Pogba still matters in the game, even with limited action so far.
