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Paul Pogba Walked So This Generation Of Ballers Could Run
Few individuals can be credited as pioneers in the history of football, with Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, and Arsène Wenger being notable members of this exclusive club.
However, pioneering in football isn’t limited to tactics, philosophies, and nutrition. There is a much bigger picture: enter Paul Labile Pogba.
On June 28, Pogba’s long-awaited return to the professional game was announced, as he signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. After his 18-month suspension from football, which concluded on March 11, the 32-year-old is officially back in business.
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And as he inevitably looks forward to his comeback, it’s only right we look back. Paying homage to his pivotal role in paving the way for player self-expression.
Pogba has always been described as an enigma. His towering 6′ 3 frame often contradicts his balletic poise on the pitch. Possessing the unique ability to muscle past his opponents and skilfully navigate tight spaces with equal success.
A footballing unicorn capable of pulling off anything on the pitch, and I mean anything. The Frenchman has often dazzled fans with his creativity and individual brilliance, an ode to his experience as a youngster playing in the Parisian suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne, where space was in short supply and quick thinking was a necessity to survive the harsh realities of street football.
His ability to pull off the impossible is a testament to his willingness to express himself. He often combines his imagination with his indisputable technical prowess to dangerous effect. However, his commitment to being unapologetically himself isn’t limited to flip-flaps and 30-yard screamers.
Throughout his career, the Frenchman’s personality has shone through in every aspect of his life, and one of his favourite ways of expressing himself has been through his trims. Many of you will relate to the feeling of a fresh trim and the confidence it gives you as you take the long way home, ensuring everyone can see the immaculate fade and line-up.
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But Pogba has single-handedly been breaking the rules and changing the game, consistently raising the bar with some of the dopest, and most creative trims we have ever seen in football. There is not much he hasn’t tried with his hair, rocking different colours, patterns, and styles. He’s done it all — pulling off each look with equal success.
But Pogba didn’t stop at haircuts. Given his poise on the pitch, it makes sense that he was an avid dancer and a good one at that. Having grown up in a West African home with Guinean parents, it’s no surprise that his cultural affinity for expressing himself through dance stuck with him. Not to mention how locked in he is with US culture. He was the man who brought the ‘Dab’ to football — a celebration he enjoyed so much he engraved it into his hair.
But while some have been captivated by this, rightfully heralding Pogba as a symbol of free expression, others have taken issue with his exuberance. Labelling it as disrespectful and symptomatic of his assumed lack of commitment to the sport. As a result, Pogba has always been misunderstood. His authenticity is often misinterpreted as arrogance, while his willingness to smile through the good and bad times is frequently used against him.
@footballerfits The Pogba x Lingard duo was undefeated 😂❤️ #football #fashion #lingard #pogba #mufc #bromance ♬ original sound – Footballer Fits
The Frenchman’s transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2016 for a then-world record fee of £89 million represented a seismic shift in English football. He broke the internet with one of the most iconic announcement videos ever. Featuring Stormzy, it signified one of the first, and perhaps most significant, fusions of football and music. His arrival brought to the Premier League a player who was unapologetically himself in all facets of his life – from hair to dance to even openly displaying his Muslim faith.
Unfortunately, the game wasn’t ready for him. As a result, he became the target of constant media attention, which weaponised his personality against him and used it to criticise him. It’s no secret that Pogba’s time at Manchester United was riddled with inconsistencies for various reasons. However, the fundamental point is that criticism often crosses the boundaries between Pogba, the footballer, and Paul, the person.
His biggest fan, Graeme Souness, epitomised the repeated crossing of the boundaries between professional and personal criticism. Since he arrived at United, and even after he had departed the club, Souness has been highly critical of the midfielder. Calling him a ‘YouTuber’ in 2017 and, more recently, labelling him a ‘lazy twat’ in 2023. The constant condemnation was about more than what occurred on the pitch and represented a much bigger problem within football.
In the eyes of the media, Pogba was getting too big for his boots — no pun intended. However, the real issue was that he challenged the status quo in English football, particularly the long-held perception of being a footballer. For too long, players were expected to live like robots, limiting any personal interests in the name of performance.
The imagined correlation between performance, trims, music, and fashion by the media and fans alike is one of the most nonsensical concepts in football. Nonetheless, it was very much a factor in the public perception of Pogba and often formed the basis of the criticism towards him as he was punished for simply being himself.
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However, in recent years, the narrative has shifted, with fans craving a greater insight into the person behind the name on the back of the shirt. The days of robotic and rehearsed responses in press conferences are slowly fading as fans relish the frankness and realness of players like Cole Palmer and Ola Aina.
The new generation of ballers are redefining what it means to be a footballer, bridging the gap between the game and the broader world by intertwining culture, fashion, and music. Whether it’s Alex Iwobi dropping a mixtape, Declan Rice walking for Labrum during London Fashion Week, or Phil Foden dying his hair blonde for Euro 2020.
Slowly but surely, the historic limitations placed on players and the expectation to stick to football are changing. However, the overreaction to Marcus Rashford’s outfit during his trip to New York shows that work still needs to be done.
Throughout his time in England, Pogba bore the brunt of an industry opposed to individuality. But almost ten years after his move to Manchester, the role of a footballer has been redefined. Players have now become brands, representing some of the biggest fashion houses in the world, collaborating with major companies, and developing their own media empires.
After being criticised for his haircuts, dancing in the United changing rooms, and even listening to the Quran, the cultural shift in football since his arrival in the Premier League has been monumental.
From the Snapchat derby to day-in-the-life content, fans are increasingly drawn to authenticity, craving insight into the person. They are no longer content with run-of-the-mill, generic responses.
So, as the Frenchman gears up for his return to the pitch, it’s only right that we celebrate his impact on the game, paving the way for the next generation of ballers to be more than their job title and indulge in their respective passions and interests.
Paul Pogba has won the World Cup, the Europa League, and multiple Italian titles, to name but a few of the accolades he has achieved in his career.
Ultimately, he is a pioneer and an OG of the self-expression wave in football, and we are eternally grateful to him.
Merci La Pioche.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
They often say you are a product of your environment. But Oday Dabbagh is living proof that you can embrace the experience of different cultures while being a powerful representative of your nation. We sat down with the 26-year-old Palestinian striker to delve deeper into his journey so far, the importance of authentic representation, self-expression through different mediums, faith, and much more.
Oday Dabbagh rose to global acclaim during his recent loan spell at Aberdeen, making the move to Scotland in the January transfer window earlier this year. The move proved fruitful for the striker as he ended the season a champion, lifting the Scottish Cup. His form has since earned him a summer move to Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek SC, swapping the Scottish Highlands for the Cairo sun.
(Jack Rowley)
Born and raised in the Old City in Jerusalem, Dabbagh reflects on his childhood with great fondness. “It was a beautiful childhood. Since I was young, I used to play football in the alleys of the old town, and my relationship with my family was wonderful. I will say, they cared more about studying than football, but we found a compromise in the end.” [laughs]
A keen footballer from the very beginning, Dabbagh was one of many Palestinian children playing football with their friends at any opportune moment. Given the nation’s passion for the game, I was curious to learn more about why football plays such a big role in Palestinian culture.
“I think globally, this sport is so important because it really brings people together – fans, teams, players, countries. For us, it gives our people an incredible sense of pride. But beyond that, sport is powerful because it’s a gateway to build bridges.”
For Oday Dabbagh, football was that bridge, allowing him to play the sport he loves professionally. Despite typical Arab familial expectations on pursuing education, which I’m sure many of us can relate to, Oday’s breakthrough into the professional game came while he was just a teenager.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
“It was a wonderful feeling. I was very motivated to show my abilities, and that experience was the start of everything for me. That launched me into the Palestine U-18 Youth National Team Championship. To be honest, I didn’t expect to reach that stage at the time. I think I’ve always focused on working hard in the moment rather than anticipating what could be or what could come next. That mindset probably reduced the pressure on me.”
Making his professional debut in the Palestinian domestic league for Hilal Al-Quds at 16, he then guided the club to three consecutive West Bank Premier League titles. And became the league’s top goalscorer in 2019, bagging 16 goals.
Staunchly determined to succeed, Oday’s domestic exploits meant the youngster was garnering attention across both Europe and the Middle East, with the then-20-year-old opting to make the move to Kuwait. In the face of European interest, one would assume that it would be the most desirable option, but once again Dabbagh displays the level-headedness that has held him in good stead thus far in his career.
“I chose Kuwait because it was my first professional experience, and I wanted to adapt in an Arab country first. It turned out to be a really good decision that prepared me for Europe later.”
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Despite the elation of securing his first professional contract abroad, Oday admits to having mixed feelings about leaving home. “My feelings were mixed… joy, sadness, and fear. But once you get on the plane, those feelings disappear because you know you’re going toward your goal and you have to achieve it. Of course, I missed my family and friends, and that was difficult. But I learned a lot, and it only strengthened my dedication to my dream.”
Since making the move to Kuwait, Oday has played in six different countries, and he can’t speak highly enough of the experiences he’s had, particularly the impact it has had on developing his style.
“I’m really happy I played in so many countries. I learned new cultures, met new people, and picked up different styles of football. It made me adaptable. With style, each place has its own identity, but you also get this mix of cultures from other players – music, fashion, food, language… That has shaped me a lot, on and off the pitch.”
(@IMAGO)
Thriving at club level, Oday’s most prolific achievements have come on the international stage. Representing Palestine, the striker has gone from strength to strength with the “Lions of Canaan,” becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in 45 appearances. Not only is he putting the nation on his back on the pitch, but Oday is a proud ambassador of his Palestinian identity, as he doubles down on how important the role is to him.
“I believe that this did not come out of nowhere; it came as a result of continuous work and commitment. I am truly proud to be a representative of my country, and I certainly thank every person who supported me or helped me to reach this level. It is a great thing to be an ambassador for your country.”
But football isn’t the only medium through which the 26-year-old chooses to express himself. A self-proclaimed fashion head, Oday’s style is equally versatile and experimental. Perhaps that may come as no surprise, given the melting-pot of experiences he’s had playing in six different countries.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
Most importantly, Oday firmly believes in the power of fashion as a vehicle of self-expression and identity, “It’s very powerful. It gives us the space to be ourselves and to show the moments and experiences we’ve picked up along the way.”
Not only does he represent his identity through football and fashion, but his very name pays homage to the culture he holds most dear. Names possess significant meaning in Palestinian culture, and so with that in mind, I asked Oday what his name means, to which he said: “Adi is an old Arabic name that means ‘running’ or a ‘fast enemy.’ Quite ironic, when one considers his attributes on the field, with speed and tenacity key hallmarks of his game.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
A powerful verse from the Quran that serves as a reminder that every difficulty is accompanied with relief, and even in difficult situations, there are blessings and ease.
With hardship an inevitability in football, it is crucial to bounce back from tough situations, and I was keen to explore how Oday motivates himself during periods of difficulty in the game.
“I tell myself that I am here to achieve a goal, and I cannot give up. And that is how I overcome difficulties. I talk to myself and motivate myself every time. Then I have my family, faith, and a deeper dream to make a difference. I do want to inspire young players. And when I remind myself of all of these things, I never stop pushing forward.”
(Palestine National Team)
At just 26, Oday Dabbagh’s story is far from over; from making his mark domestically, to securing his first professional contract and leaving home at just 20, to now being the face of the franchise for his national team.
As he settles into the lively city of Cairo, surrounded by history, the forward has not once forgotten his roots. Motivated by his hardships, a determination to make his family proud, and fulfil his goals, Oday is fast “running” to the top as one of the most influential figures in the game, transcending the boundaries of football, fashion, and identity, not to mention the “fast enemy” being a constant thorn in the side of opposition defences.
After reflecting for the vast majority of this conversation, it seemed poignant to conclude by looking ahead, asking Oday what he would like his legacy to be.
“That I gave it my all on and off the pitch, and that I took that, and used it to make an impact for the next generation. And that next generation did the same.”
Forever selfless, Oday Dabbagh is an inspiration and a role model, determined to use his growing profile to embrace his identity and advocate against injustice. Dabbagh’s career thus far has been remarkable, but his story has just begun.
As he celebrates his 28th birthday, Marcus Rashford will no doubt be aiming to push on after his strong start to the season, racking up 11 goals and assists in just 11 starts. But while Rashy invariably looks forward, we decided to look back, paying homage to the work he’s done and the impact he’s had, especially off the pitch.
The Mancunian burst onto the scene back in 2016, introducing himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a brace in the Europa League against Midtjylland. That same week, Rashy bagged yet another brace, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal. Destined for greatness, the path hasn’t always been smooth, but one thing is for certain: Marcus Rashford is the voice of the streets.
More than a footballer, Rashford never forgets his roots. Not only did he force a government U-turn during the COVID pandemic over free school meals, but he has also built libraries in primary schools across the UK and consistently supported his former primary school in Wythenshawe. Not to mention linking up with Carl Anka to write inspirational books for children.
From books to the booth, it’s no secret Rashy rocks with Lil Baby – just look at the EFL Cup celebrations in 2023 with Jadon Sancho. MBE has also linked up with DBE, as well as fellow Mancuinian Meekz. After a tough few years, Rashford has been ‘DUE4AWIN’ for a while, and he’s running it back in style this season.
Coming a long way from matching fits with Jesse Lingard, Rashford knows how to put it on. But after making a stand for what’s right, and giving back to those less fortunate, a situation Rashford can personally relate to, the pendulum of favour shifted. Despite his positive contributions, his charitable work has often been weaponised against him, in response to normal fluctuations in form. As layering chains, and supporting the next generation of underprivileged children, became seemingly incompatible.
The backlash he faced after his trip to watch the New York Knicks last November, epitomises the intense scrutiny players face when simply expressing themselves, as most of the discourse challenged his professionalism and used his outfit as justification of said criticism.
First and foremost, Rashford looked fly as hell in his LV hoodie and chains, not to mention the dope gold grillz. But most importantly, why is it being used against him when he is entitled to rock whatever drip he wants to? The whole narrative in mainstream media around black footballers and black athletes in general when it comes to self-expression needs to be questioned.
There is a fine line between criticism and personal attacks, and it often feels as though the discourse is targeted at Marcus the person rather than Rashford the footballer.
Granted his form during the trip wasn’t the best but he would be the first to admit that. Ultimately, you can criticise his efficacy on the pitch, but a line must be drawn.
In a time of increased mental health awareness within football, the media must be held responsible for their persistent efforts to challenge his integrity as a human being. Rashford has made some mistakes, and he will likely continue to make them, but what individual in their twenties hasn’t? Whenever the media discusses Marcus Rashford, they mention his wages, cars, and clothes. Yet, there is complete silence when it comes to his positive work.
From 39, to 19, to 10, Rashford is on his way back to being number 1. Whether he’s backstage at DBE concerts or linking up with Prince William, Rashford has always been more than a footballer. A cultural icon for his playing style, philanthropy, and positive impact, it’s time we appreciated what he has achieved at a young age.
In the words of Marcus Rashford: “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”
Happy Birthday, Rashy.