Pogba isn't the only one: Another star makes comeback after doping ban

All the games, derbies, results, goals, and scorers aside, the main news of the weekend behind us was Paul Pogba's comeback after a 26-month hiatus and his 11-minute debut with the Ligue 1 side Monaco.

And when such a superstar makes a comeback, all the other "returnees to action" undeservedly remain in the shadows. So, let's correct this "injustice".

Pogba is back after 811 days, but Monaco collapse on a night of mixed emotions

Remember Alejandro "Papu" Gomez? No? Let us refresh your memory.

Atalanta's icon and their sixth all-time leading scorer and two-time Serie A top assist provider. Furthermore, Italy's top flight's Best Midfielder, and a member of the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and the Serie A Team of the Year, all in the 2019/2020 season. Additionally, the UEFA Europa League winner with Sevilla in 2023 and the FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina a year before.

Enough? Rings a bell, doesn't it?

2022: World Cup winner, 2023: suspended for doping

However, two years ago, less than a month after his move from the La Liga side to the Italian Monza, his career began to decline, as he was found to have failed an anti-doping test, resulting in a two-year suspension.

During his absence, almost everyone forgot about the 37-year-old magician, but he patiently waited for a chance to return and finally got it.

The Serie B side Padova signed the Argentinian last July, allowed him to train individually until the expiration of his ban term, and helped him make his comeback.

Having played his last game on October 8, 2023, wearing Monza's jersey against Salernitana, Gomez returned to the pitch yesterday, clocking 33 minutes in Padova's 2-0 defeat to Venezia, after a 776-day absence!

A loss on the pitch, yes, but also a massive win for Papu and Padova. Given his immense desire, incredible talent, and rich experience, the Biancoscudati will undoubtedly and imminently begin to reap the benefits of his class.