In a stunning turn of events, two football stars who once reached the pinnacle of their sport now face the possibility of their careers being cut short due to doping bans. Paul Pogba, who triumphed with France in the 2018 World Cup, has been handed a four-year ban from the sport1. Meanwhile, Papu Gómez, part of Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup team, has received a two-year ban2.

Paul Pogba’s illustrious career took a severe hit when he was banned for four years after testing positive for a banned substance1. The Juventus midfielder, who has been a central figure in both club and international football, has expressed his shock and heartbreak over the verdict, which he insists is incorrect3. Pogba’s ban, unless overturned on appeal, could sideline him until 2027, raising questions about his return to professional football at the age of 343.

On the other side, Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gómez, who celebrated World Cup glory with Argentina just two years ago, has also been banned for two years following a doping violation2. The Monza midfielder’s case has been particularly controversial, with claims that the positive test resulted from accidental ingestion4. Gómez has denied any intentional wrongdoing, attributing the incident to his son’s cough syrup5.

These bans represent a significant blow not only to the players themselves but also to their clubs and national teams. As both players plan to appeal their suspensions, the football world watches with bated breath. The outcome of these appeals could determine whether these once-celebrated athletes can redeem their careers or if they have played their final matches on the world stage.