French-Guinean midfielder Paul Pogba joins world’s first professional camel racing team

Paul Pogba has taken a unique step off the football pitch by joining Saudi Arabian team Al Haboob as an ambassador and shareholder.

The French midfielder, who is of Guinean heritage, said the partnership aligns with his passion for Middle Eastern culture and the ambition to globalize camel racing.

Al Haboob competes across the Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to establish the world’s first professional camel racing league.

Camel racing is a centuries-old tradition in the Arabian Peninsula, where champion camels can fetch over $5 million.

Pogba described the sport as rich in history, family ties, and competition, noting that his interest grew during frequent trips to the region.

“The more I learned, the more interesting it became. There’s a whole world behind this sport — history, family ties, competition, pride,” he said.

The 32-year-old, formerly of Manchester United and Juventus, sees the venture as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport.

“The region is becoming a major hub for global sport, and camel racing deserves to be part of that conversation, too,” Pogba added.

Pogba joined Monaco on a free transfer in June, signing a two-year deal after leaving Juventus in November 2024.

He made his Ligue 1 debut against Rennes last month, marking his first competitive game in over two years.

Several investors, including Pogba, have backed Al Haboob financially to support the establishment of the professional camel racing league.

Pogba said joining the team felt like “being invited into a new family,” reflecting his enthusiasm for combining sport, culture, and investment in the Middle East.