Is this the end for World Cup winner Paul Pogba?

In the year 2016, at the tender age of 23, a young prodigious talent hailing from France, by the name of Paul Pogba seemed destined for greatness.

He was widely regarded as one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the football world, effortlessly dominating the pitch with his enviable adaptability, physical prowess, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net. There was little surprise when Manchester United, without batting an eyelash, shattered the transfer record by forking out a staggering $113 million to bring him back to the iconic powerhouse.

Despite having lost him on a free transfer to Juventus previously, United saw this as a golden opportunity to not only steal a march on their competitors but also to prove their ability to attract the biggest and brightest superstars in the game and welcome back a prodigal son from their esteemed academy.

Fate had different plans for Pogba during his stint at United, where he struggled to recapture his former brilliance. However, the young Frenchman reminded the world of his extraordinary abilities during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he performed as if he were the reigning monarch of the beautiful game.

With his electrifying speed, cunning flair, and astonishing creativity, Pogba allowed his footballing brain to do the talking, despite contending with off-field challenges. He led France to claim the coveted World Cup trophy, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that he was the unrivaled midfield maestro on the grandest stage of them all.

Hence, the disheartening news of Pogba's four-year ban from football by Italy's anti-doping court on Thursday carries a profound sense of sadness. He will be 34 years old when the ban finally expires. It feels like a colossal talent has been tragically wasted.

Pogba was provisionally suspended by Italy's national anti-doping body following a tribunal in September last year. The suspension was a consequence of Pogba testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance known to enhance testosterone levels. It came to light after Juventus's commanding 3-0 triumph over Udinese in a league match on August 20. The confirmation of the positive result arrived when a B sample analysis was conducted in October.

As per the World Anti-Doping Code, four-year bans are typically imposed for doping violations, although there are provisions for reductions in certain circumstances. These reductions may be granted if the athlete can demonstrate that the doping was not intentional, if the positive test resulted from contamination, or if the athlete provides valuable assistance to investigators.

In response to the ruling, Pogba released a statement late Thursday affirming his intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He maintained his innocence, vehemently asserting that he has never used any banned substances.

"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba said. "I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

"As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against. As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the CAS."

The road to a verdict from the CAS can be a lengthy one, often spanning an entire year, unless both parties agree to expedite the process. If Pogba's appeal against the length of his ban fails, the sentence handed down to him on Thursday will effectively bring an end to his illustrious career.

It feels like an eternity has passed since Pogba's glorious return to Juventus, following a disappointing stint at United that fizzled out in 2022, brought great joy to the fans. They eagerly anticipated the reappearance of this maestro, who had previously showcased his world-class abilities while donning the black and white stripes. With his return, hopes were high that he would contribute to the club's pursuit of titles once more. 

However, the season unfolded quite differently. Pogba faced a series of injuries and found himself embroiled in numerous controversies, severely limiting his playing time. Over the course of the previous campaign, he only managed to feature for a mere 108 minutes across six Serie A matches. This season, his playing time was further restricted, amounting to a total of 51 minutes as a substitute. And then, just as the situation seemed dire enough, the doping scandal erupted, casting an even darker shadow over his journey.

It would be unjust to lay the entire blame on Pogba himself. Like many other prominent figures from disadvantaged backgrounds, he has also grappled with people close to him attempting to cash in on his fortune. 

In fact, an ongoing criminal investigation by the French police was launched in 2022 following Pogba's claim of being targeted in an alleged blackmail plot orchestrated by an organized crime group. His brother, Mathias Pogba, was one of several individuals detained and placed under formal investigation.

The intricacies of Pogba's personal life and the events that unfolded remain shrouded in uncertainty, but what remains indisputable is the prodigious talent he showcased to the world when he was merely a young man in his twenties. 

The void left by his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt, as it is impossible to predict the heights he could have reached had he been able to fulfill his true potential.