Pogba, Mendy, Mutu... these comebacks on the pitch that never really materialized

They served their suspensions, earned the right to return, but their comebacks never rekindled the player they once were before trouble struck. After a lengthy ban or legal ordeal, just setting foot on the pitch again is a victory in itself—but regaining former form and status is another battle entirely. Paul Pogba, Benjamin Mendy, Adrian Mutu, and Mark Bosnich exemplify these difficult returns, marked by injuries, lack of match fitness, or careers permanently thrown off course.

Paul Pogba was supposed to make Monaco the launchpad for a new footballing chapter. After serving an 18-month ban for doping, the 2018 World Cup winner joined the Principality club in 2025, aiming to gradually reclaim the level that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders of his generation. But his return failed to resemble the long-awaited rebirth. Hampered by injuries and a lack of rhythm, Pogba managed just six appearances—only one as a starter—for a total of 115 minutes. On August 19, 2026, Monaco announced the end of his spell with the club.

The contrast is striking with the player who left Juventus for Manchester United in 2016 for what was then a record transfer fee. The suspension interrupted a career already plagued by injuries and, crucially, distanced Pogba from top-level competition for long enough to make his return especially challenging.

Benjamin Mendy: returning after a long legal ordeal

Benjamin Mendy's journey is a different story. The French defender was sidelined for nearly two years amid a legal case that completely upended his career. After facing multiple sexual assault charges, he was ultimately acquitted of all accusations following two trials.

After this long hiatus, Mendy attempted to rebuild his career at Lorient. He returned to action in September 2023, more than two years after his last appearance for Manchester City. In February 2025, Mendy left Lorient for FC Zurich, having barely featured in the first half of the Ligue 2 season. His Swiss stint was even shorter: just eight matches before his contract was terminated in July 2025. His coach Ricardo Moniz publicly stated that Mendy's physical condition was not up to the standard expected for a player of his caliber.

After such a lengthy absence from the pitch, he never managed to recover his consistency or status. Mendy's journey since his acquittal underlines how tough it is to return after such a long break. Club changes, injuries, and a lack of continuity kept him from regaining the stature he held before his legal troubles.

Adrian Mutu: talent halted in its ascent

Adrian Mutu is another emblematic case. When he arrived at Chelsea in 2003, the Romanian striker was regarded as one of Europe's most promising attacking talents. But his London adventure came to an abrupt end after he tested positive for cocaine in 2004. He was banned for seven months and Chelsea terminated his contract.

Mutu did manage to revive his career, returning to Serie A, passing through Juventus, and enjoying his best years at Fiorentina. He scored plenty of goals and reestablished himself as a respected striker in Europe. His story, therefore, isn't a tale of complete failure.

Still, the Chelsea saga was a turning point in his trajectory. The player who seemed destined for a long spell at the top of European football never fully regained the momentum he had before his troubles. Mutu stands as an example of a player who made it back, but never quite recaptured the path that once seemed his for the taking.

Mark Bosnich: a comeback that never felt like a resurrection

Mark Bosnich's story is even more drastic. The former Australian goalkeeper had reached the elite, shining at Manchester United and Chelsea. In 2002, a positive cocaine test led to a nine-month suspension and his departure from Chelsea.

Bosnich tried to restart his career, but never regained his previous standing. The time away and personal struggles weighed heavily on the rest of his journey. His comeback did not spark a new period at the top level.

His story is a stark reminder that lost time is particularly hard to recover for a footballer. In some positions more than others, confidence, chemistry, and continuity are crucial. After months away from competition, a player might return to the field without immediately finding his former sporting self.

Joey Barton: back on the pitch, but not free from turbulence

With Joey Barton, the troubles extended well beyond football. The former English midfielder had several legal and disciplinary issues throughout his career, including a prison sentence for assault.

After his release, Barton did return to professional football, continuing his career in the Premier League and Championship. But controversy never stopped following him. His story shows that a player can reclaim a spot in a team while still carrying the scars of past events.

Barton isn't a case of sporting failure as clear-cut as Bosnich or Pogba. Instead, he represents another angle: returning to the pitch doesn't always mean returning to a peaceful career.

Toney: proof that not every comeback is a flop

To avoid turning this into a hard-and-fast rule, the case of Ivan Toney offers an interesting counterpoint. The English striker was suspended for eight months by the FA after admitting to 232 breaches of betting regulations.

Unlike Pogba or Bosnich, Toney quickly found his stride after his ban. He scored on his return with Brentford and continued to perform at the highest level before moving to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

His example is a reminder that the length of a ban doesn't dictate the rest of a career. Some players swiftly rediscover their rhythm and effectiveness; others, despite their talent and desire, remain unsettled by the interruption.

When the ban ends, the real battle begins

These stories ultimately highlight the same struggle in different forms. A suspension has a start and end date. A legal case can also reach a conclusion. But for a footballer, the real comeback only begins when he steps back onto the pitch.

Pogba is currently the most striking illustration. He regained the right to play, found a new club, and returned to the field. But he hasn't rediscovered the Pogba who left Manchester United or Juventus.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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Monaco

Ligue 1 France