Paul Pogba, the famous French footballer and World Cup winner, has ventured into the world of camel racing. The AS Monaco midfielder has become a co-owner and ambassador of Al Haboob, a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian camel racing team. This marks a significant new chapter in Pogba’s post-football career, as he dives into a sport that is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture.
Paul Pogba’s decision to invest in camel racing might come as a surprise to many, but for the Frenchman, it’s a passion that has been brewing for a while. Pogba revealed that he’s been fascinated by camel racing for some time, often watching races on YouTube and spending his spare time researching the strategies and techniques of the sport. His interest in camel racing grew as he realized the dedication, heart, and teamwork required to succeed in the sport.
“I’ve watched my fair share of [camel] races on YouTube and spent time doing research in my spare time trying to understand the techniques and strategies. And what stood out to me is how much dedication it takes from everyone involved. At the end of the day, sport is sport. It demands heart, sacrifice and teamwork,” Pogba shared in an interview.
Al Haboob: The World’s First Professional Camel Racing Team
Al Haboob, the camel racing team Pogba has invested in, is no ordinary team. It is the world’s first professional camel racing team competing across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf. Founded by Saudi entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, Al Haboob aims to elevate camel racing to an international platform while preserving its cultural heritage.
As a shareholder and ambassador for Al Haboob, Pogba’s involvement is seen as transformational. His influence and passion for cultural storytelling align with the vision of the team, which seeks to merge traditional camel racing with modern approaches to create a globally recognized sport.
Pogba’s Ambition for Camel Racing: More Than Just a Business Move
Pogba’s new role in camel racing is not just a business investment but a personal passion project. The midfielder spoke about his ambitions for the sport, reflecting on the similarities between camel racing and football. He emphasized the importance of determination, focus, discipline, and grit in both sports.
“People might not realize it, but sport always connects in some way. Whether it’s football, camel racing, or boxing – the foundations are similar. You need determination, you need focus, you need discipline and grit. That’s what makes champions at the end of the day,” Pogba said.
For Pogba, owning a camel racing team is about more than just the investment—it’s about sharing a rich heritage with the world. The partnership with Al Haboob represents his dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural significance of camel racing.
The Role of Technology in Modern Camel Racing
Camel racing in the Middle East is not just about tradition; it’s also about innovation. Teams like Al Haboob are employing high-tech training methods to ensure their camels are in peak condition. These include treadmills and swimming pools specially designed for camels, ensuring the animals stay fit and healthy while competing at the highest levels. The investment in modern technology has transformed camel racing into a high-stakes sport, where prize money can reach millions of dollars.
While Paul Pogba is busy building his new legacy in camel racing, he is also focused on regaining his top form in football. After a challenging 18-month suspension due to a doping violation, Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football in November 2025. He came on as a substitute for AS Monaco in their 4-1 defeat to Rennes in Ligue 1.
Despite the challenges in his personal and professional life, Pogba’s involvement with Al Haboob shows that he is already planning for a future beyond football. His investment in camel racing speaks to his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to remain active in sports, albeit in a completely different arena.
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Why Camel Racing?
For Pogba, camel racing holds a special place, both for its cultural significance and the values it shares with football. His admiration for the sport is not merely because of its traditions but also because of the community and teamwork it fosters. Pogba sees a strong connection between his experiences as a footballer and the dedication required to succeed in camel racing.
“I’ve always tried to put my team first,” Pogba added. “That’s my biggest USP, and that’s what has helped me.” This mindset aligns perfectly with the ethos of camel racing, where success is built on collaboration, focus, and sacrifice.
Paul Pogba’s move into camel racing highlights the crossover between cultures and sports, offering a new perspective on his legacy as an athlete and entrepreneur. His partnership with Al Haboob may pave the way for the sport to reach new global heights, just as he did for football.
FAQs
- What is Al Haboob?
Al Haboob is the world’s first professional camel racing team, based in Saudi Arabia. The team competes in major races across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf. - Why did Paul Pogba invest in camel racing?
Paul Pogba invested in camel racing because of his long-standing interest in the sport. He has been following camel races on YouTube and was drawn to the dedication and teamwork involved in the sport, which mirrors the values of football. - What is the role of technology in camel racing?
Modern camel racing incorporates high-tech training methods, including treadmills and swimming pools for camels, to ensure they are in top physical condition for races. - What is the connection between football and camel racing?
Both sports require determination, focus, and teamwork. Paul Pogba sees similarities between football and camel racing, as both sports demand heart and sacrifice to achieve success. - What’s next for Paul Pogba?
While Pogba is focused on his football career, his involvement with Al Haboob signals a future beyond the pitch. He aims to promote camel racing internationally and preserve its cultural significance.
