The 33-year-old came off the bench in the 70th minute with Monaco already trailing 3-1, and within moments Luca Koleosho added a fourth to complete the rout. The result was a blow to Monaco's push for Champions League qualification, but for Pogba the appearance itself was the milestone that mattered.
He has managed just four Ligue 1 appearances this season since joining on a two-year deal last summer following the end of his doping ban. Calf and thigh problems have severely disrupted his debut campaign at the Stade Louis II.
Speculation over his future had been building during his absence, with Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro publicly hinting that the club's position could be reassessed in summer if his fitness did not improve. Pogba was in no mood to entertain that narrative.
"Am I already looking forward to next season? I am still here. From what I've heard, we're together for the long run."
He also set out his next target in the clearest terms.
"I played a lot more than last time and I'm growing in strength."
Pogba's return to football has been one of the most prolonged and difficult of any player in recent memory. After Juventus terminated his contract following the doping ban, he spent months unattached before breaking down in tears when signing for Monaco — a moment he described as feeling fortunate to be playing football again.
His contract runs until the summer of 2027. Monaco sit sixth in Ligue 1 with seven rounds remaining, three points behind third-placed Marseille and the final Champions League qualification spot.
Getting back on the pitch is only the start. Whether he can now stay on it is the question his career has been asking for years.