French footballer Paul Pogba has made an unexpected foray into the world of heritage sports, announcing that he has become a shareholder and ambassador for the Saudi Arabia-based camel racing team, Al Haboob.
Pogba, 32, confirmed the move in an interview with BBC Sport on Wednesday, revealing that his interest in the sport grew after spending time watching races online and studying the techniques involved.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who recently returned to competitive football with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, described the move as a partnership that spoke to him on a “deeper level” regarding culture and legacy.
Al Haboob, founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, is billing itself as the world’s first professional camel racing team. The outfit competes across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, blending centuries-old Bedouin tradition with modern sports science and technology, including the use of advanced robot jockeys.
Pogba joins US music producer, Swizz Beatz, as notable celebrities to buy into a Saudi-based camel racing team.
The partnership marks the first time a high-profile professional footballer has taken an ownership stake in camel racing. For the founders of Al Haboob, Pogba’s involvement is seen as a major catalyst for the sport’s international exposure.
