The animated opening sequence of episode five of his documentary series, The Pogmentary shows Paul Pogba reflecting on all that he has accomplished in his life. He is seen striding up a staircase, and once at the top, he opens heavy double doors that are embossed with images of his children and the World Cup trophy. He can see the summits of mountain he has yet reach as he begins his next phase in his career.
He sprints forward, separating the clouds as he goes and then joyfully leaps across a chasm for his family to greet him. There waits his wife, Zulay, with the couple’s two boys, the youngest clad in a onesie and the other clasping a football. His mother, Yeo Moriba, stands behind Zulay with Pogba’s twin older brothers Mathias and Florentin, Guinea internationals both, glowing with pride at her shoulder.
“No matter the challenge, my family will always be there,” narrates the France midfielder. “This family that I created, (and) the one that watched me grow up. This year I’ll need them.”
Pogba was referring to the 2021-22 seasons ahead, the last season covered by his current contract. Manchester United. At the time of the documentary’s production, rumours of interest from Real Madrid (and Juventus) were circulating. However, United maintained that they still believed they could convince the Frenchman to stay.
Even though the player had many frustrations during his last season at Old Trafford he was also faced with far more difficult challenges in the coming year 2022. This has been his annus horribilis. He was hampered by injuries that have impeded his attempts to recover his reputation at Juventus and threatened his ability to defend France’s national team.
