Paul Pogba has made a sensational career decision
Paul Pogba and camels
Paul Pogba has made the surprising decision to venture into camel racing
(Image: Al Haboob)
Paul Pogba has swapped the glamour and sophistication of Monaco for the desert landscapes of the Middle East in his latest career move.
The former Manchester United midfielder, 32, has left supporters astounded with his decision to enter camel racing - becoming part of the globe's inaugural professional outfit in this unexpected venture.
Pogba won't actually be mounting the camels himself - rather, he's taken on roles as both ambassador and stakeholder. The Frenchman quipped that the choice was straightforward when presented with the team's goal to "elevate camel racing".
The Monaco star commented: "I am incredibly excited to be joining forces with Al Haboob. From the moment I spoke with Omar and Safwan, I felt their passion, their vision, and their genuine love for this sport. They are forward-thinking entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful.
"And that energy is contagious - it's something I picked up on from our very first meeting. Their ambition to elevate camel racing onto a global stage is something I truly connect with. Throughout my career, I've been blessed with many opportunities and proposals, but this one felt different.
"It spoke to me on a deeper level - to culture, to legacy, to storytelling. I want to be part of a project that goes beyond sport, one that brings people together and shines a light on traditions that deserve to be celebrated. Joining Al Haboob felt like being invited into a new family, and saying yes was an easy decision."
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has become the first professional footballer to invest in camel racing
He added: "I've always been someone who wants to try new things and do things differently - whether it's how I play, how I express myself, or how I approach life off the pitch. That mindset has followed me into my business world too.
"I look for unique, exciting opportunities that challenge me and allow me to grow. Al Haboob represents exactly that: something fresh, something meaningful, and something exciting while staying true to who I am."
The Saudi-based outfit are competing throughout the UAE and GCC, with the 2018 World Cup winner's involvement representing a significant breakthrough for a sport seeking worldwide recognition.
Paul Pogba smiling
The World Cup winner called his involvement in the sport an "exciting opportunity"
Established by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, the duo are working towards creating the globe's inaugural professional Camel Racing League, with Almaeena describing Pogba's collaboration as extraordinary.
Almaeena and Modir's foray into the discipline commenced in 2021 when they co-produced and featured in the Netflix documentary series Camel Quest.
The programme not only highlighted the deep-rooted camel heritage throughout Saudi Arabia but showcased their determination to participate in premier competitions.