What has got Paul Pogba invested besides football? Camel racing

Last month, after more than two years in footballing wilderness, Pogba returned to the pitch for Monaco.

France's Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File)

Monaco footballer Paul Pogba has always been known for his flamboyant style on and off the field. Recently, he made another left field choice that has got the world talking as the French footballer invested in Saudi Arabia-based Al Haboob, the world’s first professional camel racing team becoming a shareholder and ambassador.

“Proud to be part of a historic sporting moment, joining Al Haboob camel racing team as Shareholder and Ambassador. Let’s make history together!,” Pogba announced on Instagram. The former Manchester United player also said that he wanted to buy the world’s expensive camel.

“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,” he told BBC as per the Guardian.

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A post shared by Paul Labile Shakur Pogba (@paulpogba)

“Owning the world’s most expensive camel one day would be a beautiful full-circle moment – something fun, something meaningful and something that excites me. Maybe one day we make it happen,” he added.

Pogba also stressed that he watched races on YouTube and was a fan of the sport.

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“I’ve watched my fair share of 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,” he said.

Last month, after more than two years in footballing wilderness, Pogba returned to the pitch for Monaco. Pogba who joined the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer in June, had not played a competitive match since September 2023.

The former Juventus player had received a four-year ban in February 2024 after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels. The suspension was cut to 18 months after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The 32-year-old had suffered another setback when he had a right ankle injury last month which delayed his on-field return.