Paul Pogba signed a two-year deal with Monaco in the summer and has “finally” started playing football again. – But the French superstar clearly has other interests as well.
At the time of writing, I’m a little unsure if this is actually true, or fake. – What speaks for it is the interview that Paul Pogba has done with the BBC and where he says he has bought into a club that does camel racing.
Read: Gareth Bale reveals the truth behind early retirement
Paul Pogba has moved into the sport of camel racing after investing in Saudi Arabia-based side Al Haboob.
The Monaco midfielder has become a shareholder and ambassador for Al Haboob, the world’s first professional camel racing team that competes across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.
Pogba, 32, told BBC Sport: “I’ve watched my fair share of [camel] racing on YouTube and spent time researching in my spare time trying to understand the techniques and strategies.”
“And what struck me is how much dedication it takes from everyone involved. After all, sports are sports. It takes heart, sacrifice and teamwork.”
Camel racing is a traditional sport that is especially popular in the Middle East.
“People may not realize it, but sports always connect in some way,” added French Pogba.
“Whether it’s football, camel racing, boxing – the foundation is equal. You need determination, you need focus, you need discipline and perseverance. That’s what makes champions in the end.”
Pogba, who became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for £89 million, added: “Being the world’s most expensive footballer was an honour, but it also came with a lot of hard work, pressure and responsibility.”
“Owning the world’s most expensive camel one day would be a beautiful full-circle moment – something fun, something meaningful, and something that makes me happy. Maybe one day we’ll be able to do it.”
Al Haboob, founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, is the world’s first modern camel racing team to compete internationally.
Read on F7: Manchester United go for Liverpool’s top goal
“Paul’s involvement is transformative,” Almaeena said.
“His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than just racing; It’s about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”
Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football on November 22, when he came on as a key substitute in Monaco’s 4-1 loss to Rennes in Ligue 1.
The 2018 World Cup winner had not played since playing for Juventus against Empoli in September 2023, following an initial four-year doping suspension, which was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Pogba insisted that it was a mistake and that he was given a dietary supplement without knowing that it contained a banned substance.
