Paul Pogba

On August 3, 2012, Paul Pogba completed a transfer from Manchester United to Italian club Juventus. Pogba, then a promising young midfielder, joined the Turin-based side on a free transfer after opting not to renew his contract with Manchester United. At Juventus, Pogba quickly emerged as a key player, showcasing his skills and earning a reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders. During his time at the club, Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles and was named in the Serie A Team of the Year on multiple occasions, solidifying his status as a crucial part of Juventus' midfield dominance in Italy and Europe.

On December 2, 2013, Paul Pogba was awarded the Golden Boy award, which is presented to the best young player in Europe under the age of 21. This accolade recognized Pogba's outstanding performances with Juventus and his significant impact on the team's success. The award highlighted Pogba's rise to prominence in world football, showcasing his technical abilities, vision, and physical presence on the field. Winning the Golden Boy award further cemented Pogba's reputation as one of the brightest young talents of his generation, amidst interest from various top clubs in Europe.

In a match held on June 20, 2014, Paul Pogba played a crucial role for France in their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil. Against Switzerland, Pogba displayed his immense talent, contributing to France's dominant 5-2 victory, which propelled them forward in Group E. His performance in this match was widely praised, underlining his importance to the French team as a dynamic and skilled midfielder. Pogba’s influence was pivotal for Les Bleus as they continued their progression through the tournament, reinforcing his status as a world-class player on the international stage.

On June 6, 2015, Paul Pogba appeared in the UEFA Champions League final with Juventus against FC Barcelona. Despite a strong performance, Juventus was defeated 3-1 by a formidable Barcelona side. Pogba's participation in the final was notable as it marked his first appearance in a Champions League final, showcasing his development as a top-tier player on the European stage. The final brought Pogba to the attention of clubs across Europe, further enhancing his reputation as one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football at the time.

On August 8, 2016, Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a then-world-record transfer fee of £89 million. The highly anticipated return was completed after weeks of intense negotiations, and Pogba was signed on a five-year contract with the option of an additional year. Pogba's move was part of a major rebuilding effort at Manchester United as the club sought to regain its status as a top contender in Europe and the Premier League. Pogba was expected to bring creativity and strength to United's midfield, having already achieved significant success with Juventus, where he developed into a world-class player.

On May 24, 2017, Paul Pogba helped Manchester United secure the UEFA Europa League title with a 2-0 win over Ajax in the final. Pogba opened the scoring with a deflected shot, putting United on course to victory in Stockholm. The Europa League triumph marked an important achievement for Pogba and Manchester United, as it provided the team with a place in the following season's UEFA Champions League. The victory was also significant for United as it completed a rare feat of winning every major club competition, elevating Pogba's stature as a considerable influence in United's midfield successes.

On July 15, 2018, Paul Pogba played a pivotal role in helping France secure the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Pogba was a crucial element in France's midfield, providing leadership and vision throughout the tournament. In the final against Croatia, Pogba scored a goal, contributing to France's 4-2 victory, which led to the team's second World Cup win in history. His performances in the tournament were lauded by many experts, and his role in France's World Cup triumph was seen as a testament to his skills and ability to perform on the highest stage in football.

On October 8, 2020, Paul Pogba was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19. This development meant Pogba had to self-isolate, in accordance with health guidelines, and miss several matches for Manchester United. Pogba's positive test came amid a widespread pandemic, affecting players and teams worldwide with interruptions and adaptation to new health protocols. The news also highlighted the challenges faced by athletes during the pandemic, as they had to adjust to frequent testing, quarantine measures, and a disrupted football calendar while maintaining their fitness and form.

On June 28, 2021, Paul Pogba and the French national team faced a surprising exit from the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament in a dramatic match against Switzerland. Despite Pogba scoring a stunning goal to put France ahead 3-1, Switzerland made a remarkable comeback, equalizing to take the game to penalties, where they ultimately won. Pogba's performance throughout the tournament had been exemplary, and his goal against Switzerland was one of the highlights. Nevertheless, France's unexpected exit at the round of 16 was a significant disappointment for the reigning world champions.

On July 11, 2022, Paul Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired. This move marked Pogba's second stint with the Italian giants, with whom he had previously enjoyed great success. Pogba's return to Juventus was met with excitement from fans and the club alike, as the French midfielder was expected to bring experience and depth to the team. His transfer was part of a broader strategy by Juventus to strengthen the squad and compete at the highest levels in Serie A and European competitions.