Paul Pogba (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Paul Pogba has become an investor and ambassador for Saudi camel racing team Al Haboob, just weeks after ending his 18-month doping ban and returning to action with Monaco.
Paul Pogba has made a surprising career move, investing in camel racing just weeks after his return to football. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder has joined Al Haboob, one of the world’s leading camel racing teams based in Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old, now playing for AS Monaco, is both a shareholder and ambassador for the team, which competes across the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). The club’s vision is to build the world’s first fully professional camel racing league.
Pogba, who recently completed an 18-month doping ban, explained his fascination with the desert sport in an interview with BBC Sport. “I’ve watched my fair share of races on YouTube and spent time researching the techniques and strategies. What stood out to me is how much dedication it takes — heart, sacrifice and teamwork.”
He added: “Whether it’s football, camel racing, or boxing — sport always connects in some way. You need determination, focus, discipline and grit. That’s what makes champions.”
Al Haboob, founded in 2018 by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, describes itself as the world’s first professional camel racing team. The sport, deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has seen camels valued as high as £3.75 million.
Al Haboob co-founder Almaeena praised Pogba’s involvement, saying: “His influence, leadership and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing — it’s about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”
Pogba, who was once the world’s most expensive footballer after joining Manchester United from Juventus for £89 million in 2016, joked about one day owning a record-breaking camel: “Owning the world’s most expensive camel would be a beautiful full-circle moment — something fun, meaningful and exciting.”
The French midfielder made his long-awaited comeback on November 22 in Monaco’s 4-1 defeat to Rennes — his first appearance in 811 days. Pogba, who has always maintained that his doping case was an accident, is now focused on rebuilding his career and representing France at the 2026 World Cup.