Paul Pogba was banned because he tested positive for a banned doping substance that increases testosterone levels.

Substance and test

Italian anti-doping authorities found non‑endogenous testosterone metabolites in a urine sample taken after Juventus’ match against Udinese on 20 August 2023, meaning the testosterone came from an external source. The substance identified was DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone precursor that can boost testosterone and is prohibited under the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) code.

Length of the ban

Italy’s National Anti‑Doping Tribunal initially imposed the standard four‑year suspension in February 2024 for this anti‑doping rule violation. After Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the ban was later reduced to 18 months, making him eligible to return to professional football in March 2025.

Pogba’s explanation

Pogba has consistently said he never intended to break anti‑doping rules and that the positive test came from a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida. He maintains that he did not knowingly take any performance‑enhancing substance and has described the ban as deeply damaging to his career and reputation.