Heroes & Humans of Football
Pogba: Brilliant, Betrayed, Banned.
Episode notes
Paul Labile Pogba is, according to host Simon, one of the most gifted players of all time. How did an international, record-breaking superstar become embroiled in a mess of conspiracy, extortion and doping bans? And will we see a comeback for Pogba in 2025?
This episode covers Pogba’s life and career, from growing up in France and flying under the radar at Manchester United to a rise to dominance at Juventus and becoming the ‘Churchillian leader’ of the French National Team.
An incredibly gifted player whose play style can dominate all parts of the pitch, Simon and Mehreen also cover the dark downfall of Pogba’s late 20s. In Shakespearean fashion, Pogba's brother betrayed him (including a bizarre West African witch doctor story), only for him to fail a doping test after his comeback.
Will one of football’s most interesting main characters be able to take the centre stage ever again? Returning to football aged 32, will Pogba see a redemption, or is it all over for this tragic hero? And what hairstyle will we see next?
Time stamps:
0:36: Introduction and stats
3:31: Growing up and finding religion
9:02: Underestimated at Manchester United (and fights with Ferguson)
14:22: Success at Juventus
20:20: Dreams of total dominance
25:58: A leader is born
31:20: Racism and the ‘Karen’ of football
36:39: Complacency at Manchester United
39:09: Betrayal by his brother
46:28: The witch doctor conspiracy
40:28: Doping ban
52:08: Pogba’s legacy and future
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