Paul Pogba and Juan Mata Reunite at World Cup Event in Emotional Meeting

Former Manchester United midfielders Paul Pogba and Juan Mata have shared a warm reunion during a World Cup-related event in New York, bringing together two players whose careers once overlapped at Old Trafford and who have remained on friendly terms since leaving the club.

Both Pogba and Mata departed Manchester United in the summer of 2022, ending different but memorable spells at the Premier League side. Between them, they lifted several major trophies during their time in Manchester, contributing to a period of both highs and transitional challenges for the club.

Pogba, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, returned to Juventus following his second stint at United. His time back in Italy, however, was disrupted, and he eventually left the Serie A club in late 2024. After serving an 18-month suspension related to a doping case, he later became eligible to return to professional football and was linked with a number of clubs during his period of uncertainty.

In June of the previous year, Pogba ultimately signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking a new chapter in his career in Ligue 1. During the most recent season, he made six appearances for the French side but did not record any goals or assists as he worked his way back to full match rhythm.

Now 33, Pogba recently attended an Adidas promotional event in New York City, where he unexpectedly crossed paths with Juan Mata, who was present in a media capacity as part of his work as a football pundit for ITV. Mata, meanwhile, has continued his playing career at club level in Australia with Melbourne Victory after leaving Europe.

The reunion between the two former teammates quickly became a highlight of the event, with both players seen sharing a warm embrace and spending time catching up. The moment reflected the strong personal bond they developed during their shared years at Manchester United.

Mata later posted a photograph of the encounter on his Instagram account, showing him hugging Pogba. In his caption, written in Spanish, he expressed affection and appreciation for the meeting, describing Pogba as a close friend and saying he was happy to see him again.

He wrote that it was always a pleasure to reconnect with the French midfielder, emphasizing the positivity of their relationship despite the time that had passed since they last played together at club level.

Mata originally joined Manchester United in January 2014 in a high-profile transfer from Chelsea for a then-club record fee of £37.1 million. Over the course of his United career, he made 285 appearances, scoring 51 goals and providing 43 assists. His time at the club saw him become a respected figure in the dressing room and among supporters, known for his technical skill, professionalism, and leadership qualities.

Pogba, who had two separate spells at Old Trafford, was one of the club’s most high-profile signings during his era. His return in 2016 from Juventus was seen as a major statement of intent, and although his time at United included moments of success, it was also marked by inconsistency and injuries.

Despite the ups and downs of their respective careers, the mutual respect between Pogba and Mata has remained evident. Their reunion in New York highlighted the personal connections that often extend beyond club rivalries and competitive environments in professional football.

Mata has previously spoken positively about Pogba, including in interviews during 2019 when the French midfielder was being linked with a potential move away from Manchester United. At the time, Mata described him as an exceptional footballer with strong personality traits and a positive influence within the squad.

He also praised Pogba’s ability to bring people together, noting that his presence in the dressing room helped create a more unified atmosphere among players. These comments reflected the admiration Mata has consistently shown toward his former teammate.

The recent meeting between the two players has been widely shared by fans on social media, with many highlighting the friendly nature of their interaction and the sense of nostalgia it evokes for their shared period at Manchester United.

Although both players are now at very different stages of their careers, the reunion served as a reminder of their time together at one of football’s most high-profile clubs, as well as the lasting relationships formed during that period.

For Pogba, the appearance in New York marks another step in his gradual return to football and public life following a challenging period away from the game. For Mata, it reflects his continued involvement in football both on and off the pitch, balancing his playing career with media work and ambassadorial roles.

Ultimately, their meeting underscored the enduring friendships within the sport, where shared experiences at elite clubs often create bonds that last well beyond a player’s time on the pitch.