Famous Footballer Paul Pogba Makes Surprising Move: Becomes Partner in a Camel Racing Team

Famous Footballer Paul Pogba's New Investment Stuns Everyone: He Became a Partner in a Camel Racing Team

Known as the sport of sheikhs, camel racing attracts thousands of fans who fill the desert tracks to watch robot jockeys compete for grand prizes. Now, professional camel racing has a new and high-profile investor: Paul Pogba.

The midfielder from Monaco stated that his reason for becoming a shareholder in Al Haboob, the world's first professional camel racing team based in Saudi Arabia and competing in the United Arab Emirates and Gulf countries, is his desire to 'take this sport to a global platform.'

The former Manchester United star said, “I have always loved trying new things, stepping out of the norm; whether it's my style of play, the way I express myself, or my outlook on life off the pitch. The same approach has extended to the business side of my career.”

Camel racing is known to be a field that requires serious capital; the best racing camels find buyers for millions of pounds, and the organizations offer high prize pools. For instance, last year, the total prize for 16 races at the AlUla Camel Cup, one of the world's most prestigious races, was set at 6.4 million dollars (4.81 million pounds).

Pogba, who became the most expensive footballer of his time with his transfer from Juventus to Manchester United for 89 million pounds in 2016, now aims to own the world's most valuable racing camel.

In an interview with the BBC, Pogba said, “Owning the world's most expensive camel one day would be a great milestone for me; it's fun, meaningful, and truly exciting. Maybe we can achieve this one day.”

Al Haboob, founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, stands out as the first modern camel racing team competing on an international stage. Modir emphasized that the team's goals are not limited to success in the sport. Today, GPS-supported robot jockeys are used in camel racing, which has been criticized in the past due to low animal welfare standards and the use of child jockeys. Modir also stated that Al Haboob's camels are prepared with world-class care and training.

Pogba, who returned to football after an 18-month ban for using a supplement containing a banned substance, stressed that his interest in the sport was the reason for his investment in this field.

“I watched many races on YouTube in my spare time, did research to understand the techniques and strategies,” he said. “What impressed me the most was the dedication everyone showed in this sport. After all, sport is sport; it requires heart, sacrifice, and teamwork.”

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I graduated from the sociology department and worked in the media field for many years. I was a media manager in sports clubs for 11 years. After my editorial experience in local newspapers in Ankara, I produce content in the fields of Current Affairs, Sports, and Economy at Onedio.

I am also receiving a Writing education in the Theatre department of Ankara University's Faculty of Language, History, and Geography.