After a prolonged period away from the sport, Argentine midfielder Alejandro “Papu” Gómez, who lifted the World Cup alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar 2022, has officially returned to competitive football in Italy, stepping back onto the pitch after two years of enforced absence.

Return to Action in Serie B

The 37-year-old served his ban after testing positive for terbutaline—a prohibited substance—in a control during his time with Sevilla, which led to the Spanish club terminating his contract, followed by a short stint with Monza.

The suspension expired on October 18, 2025, allowing the Argentine to begin a new chapter with Padova. His long-awaited return came in a Serie B matchup against Venezia, where he entered the game in the 58th minute to cheers from supporters, despite the team ultimately falling 2–0.

After the match, Papu Gómez reaffirmed his commitment and drive, declaring:

“I didn’t come here to sightsee. My ambition is to take Padova as high as possible.”

A Controversial Ban and Emotional Toll

The disciplinary process was particularly painful for Gómez, who has maintained that the banned substance came from a cough syrup intended for his child. From his perspective, the penalty was excessive.

In a candid interview, he explained:

“You take cocaine or smoke a joint and you get six months. I got two years for taking my son’s cough syrup… I was really angry. I even stopped watching football. For me, football was dead.”

The Argentine also reflected on being sidelined immediately after reaching the pinnacle of his career: becoming world champion with Argentina in 2022.
He admitted he had to work with a psychologist to navigate the isolation, frustration and emotional aftermath during the suspension.

A Final Footballing Challenge

Today, at 37, Papu Gómez is determined to end his career on his own terms: playing, competing and proving that he still has something to offer. His return represents not only a professional comeback, but also a personal vindication after an ordeal that scarred him—but did not break him.