Paul Pogba’s Journey to Faith: From Curiosity to Embracing Islam

Islamabad: French football star Paul Pogba has shared insights into his spiritual journey and conversion to Islam, describing it as a life-changing experience that brought him peace and clarity.
According to reports, Pogba, whose mother is Muslim, was not raised in a strictly Islamic environment. He is said to have embraced Islam in his early twenties after searching for answers to life’s deeper questions.
He has stated in multiple interviews, including a podcast appearance, that spending time with Muslim friends and praying alongside them brought him a sense of inner peace. This experience encouraged him to study the faith further, ultimately leading to his conversion.
Pogba has often described Islam as a religion that “opened his mind” and helped him become a better person.
The footballer has also performed religious pilgrimages to Makkah several times, including Umrah in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Reports suggest he and his wife also performed Hajj and Umrah in 2024 and 2025.
His wife, Maria Zulay, a former model from Bolivia, reportedly converted to Islam after their marriage in 2019.
On the professional front, Pogba faced a setback in August 2023 when he was handed a four-year suspension following a positive doping test. The ban was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
His suspension officially ended in March 2025, making him eligible to return to professional football. He is currently reported to be representing French club AS Monaco in the 2025–26 season.