Latest news with #PaulPogba
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
From $105 Million to Zero for United Hero
Paul Pogba's electrifying talent once dazzled football fans worldwide, soaring from Manchester United's youth ranks to global stardom. His audacious flair, commanding presence, and World Cup winning heroics promised a legendary career. Yet, controversy and setbacks have left the once-unstoppable midfielder a free agent, searching for redemption. Pogba's journey began at Manchester United's academy, where his prodigious skill earned a first-team debut in 2011. Limited opportunities prompted a 2012 free transfer to Juventus, where he thrived, winning four consecutive Serie A titles and shining in the 2015 Champions League final. His $105 million return to United in 2016, a then-world-record fee, signaled sky-high expectations. Paul Pogba now has to tie his own shoelaces after a spectacular fall from grace. At United, Pogba's second stint sparkled intermittently but never sustained brilliance. He won the Europa League and League Cup in 2017, yet clashed with his manager, fueling inconsistency. By 2022, he left United on a free transfer again, rejoining Juventus amid fanfare. Advertisement Related: From Champs to Chumps with the Glazer Family. In Turin, injuries and a doping scandal derailed Pogba's comeback. In August 2023, he tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance, leading to a four-year ban, later reduced to 18 months. Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024, leaving him clubless. Related: Manchester United's Worst Season Ever Exposes Old Trafford Mismanagement Pogba remains a free agent, with no confirmed clubs in negotiations. Speculation links him to MLS's DC United or Marseille, but concrete offers are scarce. His last competitive match was September 2023. From $100 million World Cup Winner to Sinner and Unemployed Pogba's fall reflects a career of unfulfilled potential. Injuries limited him to 213 minutes in his final Juventus season. At 32, his dream of a 2026 World Cup return hinges on finding a club willing to bet on his tarnished legacy. Advertisement Despite interest from smaller leagues, top European clubs hesitate, wary of his over-weight baggage. Pogba insists he's no 'cheater' and trains rigorously in Miami, driven by 'anger' to reclaim his peak. His supporters, including former teammates, still see a 'champion' in him. Pogba's story is a cautionary tale of talent meeting tribulation. Once a $105 million marvel, he now faces an uncertain future. Can Pogba rewrite his narrative, or will football's prodigal son fade into obscurity like so many geniuses before him, have already? Next: Man United's Billion-Dollar Game Why Losing to Spurs Could Bankrupt Them
The Sun
25-05-2025
- The Sun
Bungling masked robbers targeted Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho's £4m mansion – but fled after making HUGE mistake
BURGLARS targeted footie star Alejandro Garnacho's home — but got the wrong house. Two balaclava-clad thugs arrived on the Man United star's road just as he kicked off at Old Trafford. They buzzed on a door in a bid to work out if anyone was there — but were at one of his neighbours. A dog walker then saw and challenged them, before private security guards arrived. It came as United hosted Real Sociedad on March 13, with the Reds winning 4-1. One neighbour in Altrincham said: 'They were targeting Garnacho — but they got the wrong home. "They were after his house as it was 8pm and they would have known he was playing at Old Trafford.' Another local who witnessed the attempt said: 'I was about to take the dog out but I saw two men walk past so I waited. 'They were wearing dark clothes and balaclavas so I wondered what they were up to. When I went into the street I saw one had climbed on to the wall and fence on either side. "I then shouted, 'What are you up to?'. Security guards came out and they jumped back over a fence and ran off.' They added: 'I think the security was enough to scare them away. They saw the measures that are in this street — and have not been back.' Argentine winger Garnacho, 20, has since put his family's £3.85million mansion up for sale — and hinted he could leave United. A club source said his security team were 'aware of an incident at an adjacent property'. Dramatic video of Paul Pogba fleeing Old Trafford after learning raiders had targeted mansion as children slept in bed A string of United stars have been burgled while they were away, including Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba. 2
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
How bad can it get for Manchester United? Further pain may follow defeat in ‘El Crapico'
Just how bad are Manchester United ? That was the thought. And it would not shift. Just how bad can they be? Really, how bad? And when will it end? That was another thought. At least the last question had an answer: very soon. The season will be over. Then people can think about other things for a few weeks, not have to endure this version of United getting worse and worse and worse. You walked down the steps at Old Trafford and out. The final whistle was about to blow. It was May 2019, not May 2025. In May 2019 no one was thinking about May 2025. They had enough on their plates and most were asking: are they really serving this up? READ MORE United had just lost at home to Cardiff City. It was the last day of the season and Cardiff were already relegated. United had trailed in sixth in the league having scored two goals in their last five matches. It was the end of a season when they changed managers midway through, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replacing José Mourinho . It was a season when a couple of dramatic European nights helped obscure the ongoing downward trajectory at post-Ferguson Old Trafford. It was a season that felt like others before it and some since. It was another season gone. Paul Pogba was in midfield for United that docile afternoon. Marcus Rashford , then 21, was up front. On the wing was Mason Greenwood . He was 17 and making his first senior start after a few substitute appearances. Greenwood was good, the rest were not. Even then, though, there seemed to be an unhealthy assumption building that United's future was secure because Greenwood, a young teenager, a boy, was so mature. He could be the next Rashford, everyone said. Pogba, recently turned 26, was allegedly in his prime. He cost United, the club he left for nothing aged 19, €105 million. And in theory the trio could have shaped United successfully. You look at them and see talent and potential. Diogo Dalot was in that team against Cardiff, too; Angel Gomes came off the bench. Those are five good footballers, material to work with. Manchester Unitd players stand dejected following their defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire But as even Ruben Amorim may have come to accept as he travelled back from Bilbao following the credibility-stretching Europa League final defeat to this most meagre Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, theory in football management can take you only so far. In a final so poor it deserves an asterisk, Amorim was unable to negotiate a way through a Spurs side lacking its key creative influences, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Amorim can talk about a game's theory, but he could not find practical solutions. Spurs scored, sat back and won. This was Tony Pulis Tottenham. Effective but dross. Those calling it El Crapico beforehand were proved correct. [ Spurs' expressions oozing with pure Europa League ecstasy Opens in new window ] Spurs had one touch in United's box in the second half. Yet they won because United, with 73 per cent possession, were incapable yet again of manoeuvring an opposition defence out of step. That's three consecutive matches in which United have failed to score. If Bruno Fernandes does not provide attacking imagination, who does? Amad Diallo began well in Bilbao but he is 22 and has started just more than 30 games for the club. Rasmus Hojlund came close to equalising, but it is an unfortunate reality for the Danish striker that he is probably too young and has stumbled into Old Trafford in this era. There's a whiff of Garry Birtles about Hojlund. But Birtles didn't cost €76 million. We keep going back to poor recruitment because the evidence on the pitch compels us to do so; but the post-Cardiff experience of Pogba, Rashford and Greenwood demonstrates another United failing: player management. Handled expertly, they could have been marshalling United on Wednesday. Instead they're elsewhere, even if, astonishingly, Rashford is contracted at Old Trafford until 2028. Again you ask, how bad? In defence of the apparently overwhelmed Amorim, this is his red-faced inheritance. He has not picked up a golden thread. That was cut a long time ago and, if you remember Ralf Rangnick, he said so out loud. Erik ten Hag came in and got United to third in his first season and won the FA Cup last season. But it never felt smooth or stable. Hence his dismissal and all the money forfeited with it, truckloads of it. In Bilbao, Amorim, once again talked of departure 6½ months after arrival. Others also questioned their continued presence – Luke Shaw, Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho. People were once desperate to go to Manchester United; now United are just desperate. If Amorim does have something about him as a coach then he deserves to stay. He deserves the chance to work in a streamlined environment – no midweek trips to Europe, purely domestic football. It will bring time and space on the training pitches. The question all concerned with United must be asking is 'if'. The thing about Amorim's beloved 3-4-2-1 is that it becomes 5-2-2-1 as soon as pressure comes, and when a team is as loose in possession as this United, that happens regularly. It leaves a club made famous by its wingers narrow. Against even competent opposition that makes United predictable. Amorim, likable and smart, a serious coach, thus ends up with Harry Maguire in attack, like a latter-day Marouane Fellaini. Manchester United fans following the defeat to Spurs. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Wire Everyone is exposed by it all: Amorim, Maguire, Casemiro, Jim Ratcliffe and his chosen decision-makers as well. There may not be collective responsibility, but there is collective blame. Of course, the ones who get away with it, who have always got away with it, are the Glazers. They're still there. What happens next? There are various permutations to answer the question, but one factual response is that another season ends at Old Trafford on Sunday and, though it may be hard to believe, it could be worse than that afternoon against Cardiff, worse than Wednesday night in Bilbao. Aston Villa are the visitors. Villa, who have not played in midweek, who have not travelled, who do have players disappointed to the point of discussing leaving, pitch up with something to play for – a Champions League place. They will be fit, fresh and motivated. It could be a big away win and a hellish home defeat. Once upon a time Manchester United took their role in the Champions League as a matter of course, an annual return to the European elite's tournament. No more. Villa, injected with investment, have sped past a United drained by shareholder dividends, managerial uncertainty and recruitment failure. There they are, static on the roadside, passersby staring in bewilderment and asking: Just how bad are Manchester United?
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ravel Morrison outlines intention to make sensational return to Man United - 13 years after former wonderkid and academy star, 32, left the Red Devils
Ravel Morrison has revealed his intentions to return to Man United in the future. The United academy product - who played alongside the like of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard - was tipped to be a future first-team star but struggled to live up to expectations. He ultimately left the club in 2012, after concerns over off the field problems and number of injures, before he eventually joined West Ham. Back in September, Morrison signed for the 14th club of his rollercoaster career - Precision FC in Dubai - where he's made 20 appearances and scored nine goals. However, now Morrison has revealed he has already considered his plans for when he does retire and they involve a potential return to Old Trafford. Speaking on the Undr the Cosh podcast, Morrison said: 'I've got my B licence now - I did it in the summer. Morrison (right) pictured in 2011 with fellow Man United youngsters (left to right) Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba after the club lifted the FA Youth Cup trophy 'I do want to get into some type of coaching [after I retire]. That'd be good. I'd like to go back to United!' Morrison was described by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as having 'as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed' and capped by England up to Under 21 level. However, things hadn't worked out for Morrison at United and Ferguson later said: 'The boy had a good heart. He was just beaten by his background.' Before his move to Dubai, Morrison had previously played in the USA for D.C. United, in the Netherlands for ADO Den Haag, in Sweden for Ostersunds, in Mexico for Atlas, in Italy for Lazio and for eight different clubs across England and Wales. He played in the Premier League for West Ham and Sheffield United, as well as turning out for Birmingham City, Cardiff, Queens Park Rangers, Middlesbrough and Derby County in the Championship. His latest move was announced by his new club via Instagram in a statement that read: 'We are beyond excited to welcome the incredible Ravel Morrison to Precision FC! 'This is more than a signing – it's a statement, a game-changer for both our club and football in the UAE. 'Known for his electrifying talent and skill, Ravel brings world-class experience and flair that will help our team to achieve it's goals. 'This is the start of something extraordinary. Welcome to the family, Ravel!' Morrison represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U21 levels but he has played senior international football for Jamaica since 2020. According to Rio Ferdinand in 2018, legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Morrison: 'He possessed as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed.'
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
No Water, No Peace: A Branding Playbook From The Football Pitch
At the recent Football for Peace 'Rehydrate the Earth' Water Gala in London, leaders from across sport, business, diplomacy, and the football community gathered around a powerful and urgent message: Without water, there is no peace. And football is their strategy for getting to a more united, hydrated and peaceful world. Among the influential voices present were football legends Paul Pogba, Claude Makélélé, Dimitar Berbatov, and Rachel Yankey, NFL stars Josh Norman and Jason Bell, media personality and manager Harry Redknapp, and power forward Adebayo Akinfenwa. Also in attendance were Children's Parliament Prime Minister Naila Seetal, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, and African Union Peace Fund CEO Ms. Dagmawit Bekele—all united in raising awareness and resources for peace building through water access. What struck me most was the deep emotional clarity behind Football for Peace's brand purpose — the celebrity footballers weren't just interested in football or even building pitches, they were interested in building frameworks for youth security, conflict resolution, water security, intercultural understanding, and social cohesion — across all six continents. Their passion for football was a means to an end and the football brand had extended beyond its core competency of sports into championing world peace. But in an era where many purpose-led brands feel increasingly performative, and others have failed for championing social causes — we all remember Starbucks and their race together debacle — what makes Football for Peace stake its purpose credibly? Football for Peace isn't just a name—it's a belief system. Born from the conviction that football transcends borders, the brand believes it can also transcend messaging, and leverages the universal language of the sport to foster dialogue and unity in communities fractured by conflict. This unwavering belief isn't a marketing ploy; it's a mission lived daily on pitches from East Africa to divided cities across the UK. Such clarity of purpose isn't just noble—it's strategic. I've spoken at length about a new generation of audience in Generation Z that is savvier than most. Findings from a trend report by Deloitte would agree highlighting that brands with a clear, action-oriented purpose outperform their peers in growth and innovation. In a world grappling with environmental crises, Football for Peace doesn't just play the game—it attempts to change it. Their recent gala spotlighted the fight for water in certain communities around the world and the need for water rehydration. In doing so, Football For Peace attempted to align the organization's mission with one of today's most pressing humanitarian issues. They made one point crystal clear: peace cannot exist without access to clean water and to me, that insight was both simple and profound. According to McKinsey, brands that engage meaningfully with societal issues become cultural leaders, gaining relevance with audiences who demand substance over spin. At the water gala, former NFL player Jason Bell spoke powerfully about Colin Kaepernick—the athlete who turned his platform into a tool for racial justice. And for those of you who've read The Kim Kardashian Principle, you would know that the Nike Colin Kapernick campaign was reportedly inspired by the principles of the book. But Bell's reflection was more than admiration, it was a challenge: What are you doing with your influence? Football for Peace has been asking—and answering—that question for over a decade. It refuses to posture and continues to prioritise purpose over polish. And it's a brand strategy that I believe continues to work. Harvard Business Review notes that brands rooted in authentic leadership earn deeper trust and outlast those that posture without principles. Football for Peace doesn't just organize Peace Matches—it builds bridges. By creating football training sessions and basic football coaching camps for vulnerable youth, the organization redefines what inclusion looks like in real time. These moments are far more than symbolic—they're transformative. I've said it before and I'll say it again, strong brands build lasting emotional connections with audiences. I first came across football for peace over five years ago when I met the charismatic leader Kashif Siddiqi in Italy during my work supporting the United Nations. Few leaders embody the brand principles of the organization as closely as Siddiqui does. And I for one can say I've been hooked on the brand ever since. As the Edelman Trust Barometer confirms, emotional connection is a key predictor of consumer trust. Football for Peace doesn't chase connection—it creates it. Football for Peace isn't led by marketers—it's led by those who've lived the power of the pitch. Founders like Elias Figueroa, a Chilean football legend, and Kash Siddiqi, a former national team player, understand football not as performance, but as purpose— and maybe that's the brand difference here at the core of its DNA it's a group of people whose lives experience is what gives the organization such rare clarity. Accenture reports that when leadership embodies brand purpose, it becomes contagious—attracting both internal alignment and external loyalty. That's exactly what you feel at Football for Peace: conviction from the top, and commitment across every level. Football for Peace and other purpose-drive brands remind us that in times of conflict and division, the most effective tool can sometimes be as simple as a game. A football match between ex-FARC combatants and local youth. A football for peace ripple-effect model playing out in communities from Chile to Mozambique. A Peace Match in a divided country where the scoreboard doesn't matter—but solidarity does. But it's also a much needed glimpse into brands that refuse to stay in their lane: This is what influence can look like when it's rooted in responsibility. Not marketing gloss. Not media spin. Just meaningful, repeatable, human acts of cohesion and dedication. Do I think we're heading into a brand landscape of purpose-fatigue? We might well do in time. But for the moment, audiences crave access to meaning and Football for Peace shows us what brand purpose can be when it comes from a place of passion, it's built with integrity, lived through action, and shared with emotional intelligence and a deep focus on impact. No banners. No buzzwords. Just belief. That's what I believe moves people. And that's what I believe will move peace forward. Named Esquire's Influencer of the Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality and leading voice in fashion, entertainment, and influence, and author of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right).
