Paul Pogba is set to make a rare public appearance here in Germany on Monday as a special guest for France’s crunch clash against Belgium.
The former Manchester United midfielder has kept a low profile ever since news of his positive reading for a banned substance emerged in September 2023.
But Pogba is scheduled to attend the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Roberto Martinez’s side on Monday evening after accepting an invitation to be part of the official contingent of dignitaries to attend the clash in Dusseldorf.
As well as watching the knockout encounter, Pogba is also due to attend the official fan zone where he will meet thousands of France supporters as part of his visit.
Pogba is one of France’s most iconic and decorated footballers, famously helping Deschamps side to World Cup glory in 2018. He has also won the UEFA Nations League with his country, has a silver medal from Euro 2016 and a string of domestic titles to his name.
Paul Pogba, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, will attend their last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday
It will be a rare public appearance after he was handed a four-year ban for failing a drugs test
Pogba’s attendance will rekindle memories of France’s euphoric triumph in Russia six years ago, a tournament in which Deschamps and the midfielder formed a strong bond.
The former Juventus midfielder views Deschamps as a father figure and news of Pogba’s attendance for the game will offer encouragement to the France boss and players, including Kylian Mbappe, ahead of the game.
Pogba has a particularly close relationship with Marcus Thuram, son of France legend Lilian.
The official invitation has arrived as a major boost to the 31-year-old during a difficult period as he continues to fight for his career following a positive doping test.
Pogba has decided he wants to show his support for his countrymen despite the allegations that continue to hover over his career amid doping allegations.
Pogba, who is privately acknowledging he made an unknowing mistake in accepting a course of pill that resulted in his positive test for DHEA, wants to resume his playing career once the Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing against a four-year suspension has been heard.
