Pogba has endured a couple of frustrating seasons at Manchester United, marked by inconsistent displays.
The 25-year-old faced questions over his future last season and he struggled to nail down a regular starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI.
Ferdinand knows all too well the pressures of international football during his days with England.
But he is adamant that Pogba will only be able to cope with the pressures of playing for United once he proves it on the world stage.
“Paul is desperate to announce himself on the world stage,” Ferdinand said.
“Paul is someone who wants to be known as a great player. When you look at the history in the French national team – with Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane – he wants to be remembered as a player like that.
“But Pogba has to play well. And he has to win – and that’s not easy.
“There will be pressure because expectations are huge on France.
“Pogba and [Antoine] Griezmann will be carrying the hopes of their nation on their shoulders – and I would like to see Paul do it.
“He’s a showman and someone who wants to be the centrepiece of what comes out of that team. Now he has the opportunity to do that.”
Pogba was booed on Friday night as France beat Italy 3-1 in a friendly.