Paul Pogba’s blunt confession about his footballing level: he says he only had three good years

After a rollercoaster of injuries and a high-profile doping scandal, French midfielder Paul Pogba is desperate to flip the script on his career. The 2018 World Cup winner recently joined AS Monaco following a long period of inactivity and a tumultuous second stint at Manchester United. While he aims to rediscover the magic that made him a global icon, his return to the pitch has been met with a wave of skepticism.

One of the most scathing critiques came from Radja Nainggolan, the Belgian "Ninja" who was a fierce rival of Pogba during their prime years in Serie A. Nainggolan didn't mince words when assessing the Frenchman’s trajectory, arguing that Pogba never offered top-level performance for a sustained period.

Nainggolan, who faced Pogba frequently between 2012 and 2016, admitted that while the Frenchman had flashes of brilliance at Juventus, he lacked the consistency of a truly elite player. In a bold move, the Belgian even claimed that during their shared time in Italy, he considered himself the superior footballer.

"In my prime in Serie A, I only saw a few midfielders at my level. Arturo Vidal and Daniele De Rossi were the real challenges. As for Pogba, his period of splendor was just too short." — Radja Nainggolan via Sportium.fun

The timing of these comments is sensitive, as Pogba is currently fighting to prove he isn't "washed." His career hit a nadir when he received a four-year doping suspension, which was later reduced to 18 months following an appeal. This reduction allowed him to seek a new club in 2025, eventually landing a two-season deal with Monaco after being released by Juventus.

However, the 32-year-old’s "New Chapter" has had a stuttering start. Physical setbacks have plagued his first few months in the Principality, preventing him from reaching the match fitness required to silence critics like Nainggolan.

Nainggolan also touched upon his own career choices, revealing that he had multiple opportunities to join Juventus when Pogba was their poster boy. He rejected them every time, preferring the "uphill battle" and the challenge of AS Roma.

Adding a touch of his trademark irony, the Belgian hinted that his refusal was partly due to his belief that Juventus received "benevolent" treatment from referees—a sentiment that fueled his legendary competitive fire during his time in the Calcio.

Despite the noise, Paul Pogba remains focused. With the support of the Monaco staff, he is determined to leave the shadows of the last three years behind. For the Frenchman, it’s no longer about being the "most expensive" or the "most stylish"—it’s about proving that his best version isn't just a memory of 2018.