Paul Pogba has made a groundbreaking investment in a Saudi camel racing team, becoming the first professional football player to enter this unique sport.
Al Haboob, operating out of Saudi Arabia, claims to be the world’s first professional camel racing team. The organization is reportedly working to establish the inaugural professional league for this sport.
Pogba will serve as both an ambassador and a stakeholder for the team.
Camel racing is primarily popular in the Gulf region, with races featuring animals running distances while robot “jockeys” guide them instead of human riders.
Videos from the events have depicted team officials following alongside the races in vehicles, using remote controls to maneuver whips for the robotic jockeys.
Founded in 2021 in partnership with the RedSea Camel Company, a collective of breeders, Al Haboob gained further visibility in 2024 with a Netflix series titled ‘Camel Quest’ that highlighted the team.
“I am thrilled to team up with Al Haboob,” Pogba expressed.
“Throughout my career, I have been presented with numerous opportunities, but this one resonated deeply with me—connecting to culture, legacy, and storytelling.”
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“Becoming a part of Al Haboob felt like joining a new family, and accepting the invitation was an easy choice.
“I have always been someone who embraces new experiences and takes unconventional approaches, whether in gameplay, self-expression, or my life outside of football.
“Al Haboob embodies that spirit: something innovative, meaningful, and thrilling, while remaining true to my identity.”
Pogba recently returned to the field with AS Monaco after serving a doping suspension, marking his comeback after a two-year hiatus.