The Globe Soccer Awards 2025 once again became a focal point of public attention—not only because of the names announced on stage, but also due to decisions that stirred controversy. Among them, Paul Pogba winning the “Most Memorable Comeback of the Year” award has triggered a strong backlash from experts and fans alike.
Shortly after the ceremony, former French footballer Jimmy Cabot emerged as one of the most vocal critics. Speaking to the media, he did not hide his frustration, openly questioning the criteria used by the organizers in granting the award.
According to Cabot, honoring a player who had previously been suspended for doping under the banner of a “comeback” is difficult to accept and, in his view, runs counter to the core values football claims to uphold.
“Pogba was banned for doping, and they give him a trophy?” Cabot said bluntly, adding that such a decision sends a deeply misleading message about sportsmanship.
Beyond criticism, Cabot also pointed to players he believes were far more deserving of recognition. Chief among them is Matthieu Udol, a player who suffered four anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures—injuries widely considered career-ending for many professionals.
Despite multiple surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation process, Udol persisted, pushing past both physical and mental limits to return to Lens’ first team in Ligue 1 before the winter break. For Cabot, this is what a truly extraordinary comeback looks like.
In addition to Udol, Nabil Bentaleb was also cited as a powerful example of resilience. The midfielder once suffered cardiac arrest, forcing him away from football for an extended period and even raising the prospect of retirement. Yet Bentaleb made a remarkable return, not only stepping back onto the pitch but also scoring a crucial goal for Lille that helped decide the outcome of a match.
When these stories are weighed against Pogba’s situation, many feel his return falls short of the standard implied by the award. Following a lengthy doping suspension, the French midfielder has so far made only limited contributions for Monaco, both in terms of performance and overall influence on the field.
As a result, Pogba’s recognition as “Most Memorable Comeback of the Year” has fueled doubts about fairness and evaluation criteria at the Globe Soccer Awards. For many observers, this is not merely a controversial choice—it is a clear illustration of the fragile line between reputation and genuine merit in modern football.