Paul Pogba Ventures into Camel Racing with Al Haboob
Paul Pogba has embarked on a new journey in the world of camel racing after investing in the Saudi Arabia-based team, Al Haboob.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Monaco, has taken on the roles of shareholder and ambassador for Al Haboob, the first professional camel racing team competing internationally across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.
At 32, Pogba shared with BBC Sport, "I’ve watched my fair share of camel races on YouTube and spent time researching to understand the techniques and strategies involved. What stood out to me is the dedication required from everyone involved. Ultimately, sport is sport; it demands heart, sacrifice, and teamwork."
Camel racing is a traditional sport that holds significant popularity in the Middle East.
“People might not realize it, but sport always connects in some way,” Pogba added. “Whether it’s football, camel racing, or boxing, the foundations are similar. You need determination, focus, discipline, and grit. That’s what creates champions.”
Pogba, who became the world’s most expensive player when he transferred from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016 for £89 million, remarked, “Being the world’s most expensive footballer was an honor, but it came with a lot of hard work, pressure, and responsibility. Owning the world’s most expensive camel one day would be a beautiful full-circle moment—something fun, meaningful, and exciting. Maybe one day we’ll make it happen.”
Al Haboob, founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, is recognized as the world’s first modern camel racing team to compete on an international stage.
“Paul’s involvement is transformational,” Almaeena stated. “His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing; it is about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”
Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football on November 22, coming on as a late substitute during Monaco's 4-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Rennes. He had not played since September 2023 when he featured for Juventus against Empoli, following an original four-year doping ban that was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Pogba has maintained that the ban was a mistake, claiming he was given a supplement without knowledge that it contained a banned substance.