Paul Pogba has taken an unexpected step in his post-football ventures by becoming the co-owner and ambassador of Al Haboob, the world’s first professional camel racing club. The French midfielder, currently with AS Monaco, has entered the fast-growing world of professional camel racing in Saudi Arabia, marking one of the most unusual yet strategic moves of his career.
Camel racing has long been a treasured sporting tradition across the Gulf, but the ambition behind Al Haboob goes far beyond heritage. Pogba’s involvement is part of a broader investment push to establish the first fully professional camel racing league, with planned competitions spanning the GCC region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The project aims to transform the sport into a global commercial enterprise while preserving its cultural roots.
For Pogba, the move combines business, innovation and cultural engagement. As co-owner and ambassador, he is expected to play a central role in promoting the league internationally, drawing attention from audiences far beyond the Middle East. His global profile, coupled with the sport’s rapid commercial growth, positions the partnership as a potentially lucrative long-term venture.
The economics of camel racing already reflect massive financial potential. Prize money in elite competitions has soared over recent years, and champion racing camels — bred for speed, stamina and lineage — can command staggering prices. Some of the most sought-after animals have been valued at more than $5 million, illustrating both the exclusivity and the profitability of the industry Pogba is entering.
Read Also: Trump’s $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Immigration Program Begins
Al Haboob’s organisers hope to leverage Pogba’s visibility to attract new investors, sponsors and fans, helping shift the sport from traditional circuits into modern, internationally recognised competition. For the Gulf states, developing a professional league also aligns with wider initiatives to diversify entertainment and sports portfolios beyond football and motorsport.
While Pogba’s football future remains uncertain following his previous suspension issues, his latest venture shows a clear interest in shaping a broader identity beyond the pitch. Camel racing, with its deep cultural significance and rising commercial appeal, offers a unique platform — one that Pogba now joins not just as a celebrity figure, but as a stakeholder helping to reimagine the sport’s future.