Paul Pogba has expanded his interests beyond football by stepping into the world of camel racing, becoming an investor and ambassador for Saudi Arabia-based team Al Haboob, the first professional camel racing organisation competing across the UAE and the Gulf region.

The 32-year-old Monaco midfielder, who signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club last summer, described the move as an exciting new chapter that connects his passion for sport with a growing cultural tradition in the Middle East.

Pogba told BBC Sport that he researched the sport extensively before joining Al Haboob, watching races online and studying the techniques used by trainers and teams.

“I’ve watched a lot of races on YouTube and dug into the strategies in my spare time,” Pogba explained. “What really caught my attention is the dedication behind it. Sport is sport — it requires heart, sacrifice, and teamwork, no matter the arena.”

Camel racing has been a celebrated cultural sport across the Middle East for generations, and its rise into a modernised, internationally competitive industry has attracted global interest.

Pogba said he sees clear similarities between football and camel racing.

“People may not expect it, but all sports are linked by the same foundations,” he added. “Whether it’s football, boxing, or camel racing, success comes from determination, discipline, focus and grit. That’s what creates champions.”

The former Manchester United midfielder, once the most expensive footballer in the world after his £89m move from Juventus in 2016, even joked about the idea of owning the world’s priciest racing camel someday.

“Being the most expensive footballer was an honour but also a responsibility. Owning the most valuable camel one day? That would be a fun full-circle moment — meaningful and exciting. Who knows, maybe it will happen.”

What Is Al Haboob?

Al Haboob was founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir with the aim of modernising and globalising camel racing. Pogba’s involvement represents a significant step toward bringing mainstream attention and international credibility to the sport.

Almaeena praised Pogba’s influence:

“Paul’s involvement is transformational. His leadership, passion, and ability to connect cultures align perfectly with what Al Haboob represents. This partnership is about more than racing — it’s about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”

Pogba’s Return to Football

Pogba recently returned to professional action on 22 November, making a late substitute appearance in Monaco’s 4-1 defeat to Rennes. It was his first match since September 2023 following a doping suspension, which was initially four years but later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 2018 World Cup winner has always insisted that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally through a supplement.