Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Paul Pogba recently visited Patrice Evra as the former Manchester United star intensifies training for his upcoming MMA debut. Pogba, currently a free agent, showed his support for Evra as he transitions from football to mixed martial arts. This display of camaraderie highlights their enduring friendship amidst their respective career paths, with Evra venturing into the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Pogba navigating his future in professional soccer.
Pogba Supports Evra’s MMA Venture
Paul Pogba, currently without a club after his departure from Juventus, made a visit to Patrice Evra to offer support as Evra prepares for his debut fight in mixed martial arts next month.
Evra’s Transition to MMA
Evra, 43, officially retired from professional football in 2019. He is now trading his football boots for MMA gloves as he gears up to enter the Professional Fighters League (PFL). His debut is scheduled for the PFL’s Paris event on May 23.
Potential Opponent: Luis Suarez?
While the identity of his opponent remains unconfirmed, Evra has expressed a desire on social media to face Luis Suarez, reigniting a long-standing rivalry stemming from a notable racism controversy in 2011.
Pogba’s Current Situation
Since the mutual termination of his Juventus contract in mid-November, Paul Pogba has been without a club.
- Initial Ban: Pogba initially faced a four-year ban from football, imposed in February of the previous year, due to a positive drugs test revealing elevated testosterone levels.
- Appeal and Reduction: In October, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) provided a lifeline, reducing the ban to 18 months following a successful appeal.
Paul Pogba visited his former France team-mate Patrice Evra ahead of the latter’s MMA debut
Evra is set to fight for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at their Paris event on May 23
Pogba is still without a club after his contract with Juventus was mutually terminated last year
The Pogba-Evra Connection
The bond between Pogba and Evra traces back to 2009 when Pogba joined Manchester United’s academy after transferring from Le Havre.
- Mentor-Mentee Relationship: As vice-captain and a seasoned player at the club, Evra took on a mentor role, guiding and supporting the younger Pogba.
- International Teammates: Both players represented the French national team, with Evra occasionally serving as captain.
Evra’s Post-Retirement Pursuits
Since retiring from football, Evra has engaged in various activities, including:
- Punditry
- Business ventures
- Establishing a strong social media presence
Evra has consistently defended Pogba on social media and as a pundit on Sky Sports. He penned an open letter to Pogba on Instagram to celebrate France’s World Cup victory in 2018.
Reportedly, Evra played a key role in Pogba’s decision to rejoin Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee (£89 million).
Pogba’s Future Plans
During his time away from the pitch, Pogba has attracted interest from clubs like Marseille, Manchester City, Corinthians, and Manchester United.
The midfielder has been training with coaches in Miami, focusing on both football skills and physical conditioning.
The duo’s friendship began in 2009 when Pogba joined Manchester United’s youth setup
Evra played with Pogba for France and has been a vocal defender of the midfielder off the pitch
However, reports from the previous month suggest that Pogba is unlikely to sign with any club before the current season concludes.
It has also been reported that Pogba declined offers from the Saudi Pro League and the Brazilian top division to maximize his chances of being selected for the French national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Pogba’s most recent competitive appearance was for Juventus in September 2023. His last full 90-minute game was in March 2022 while playing for Manchester United.
His last appearance for France was in a friendly match against South Africa on March 29, 2022, marking his 91st cap for his country.