Pogba bets on camels: football star dives into a Saudi camel racing project

A star ventures beyond football

The French football icon Paul Pogba, Monaco's midfield engine, announced on Wednesday a non-traditional investment move in Saudi Arabia.

He explained on his social media channels that he has become a partner, official shareholder, and ambassador for the Saudi camel racing team Al-Hobob, the world's first professional camel racing project under international oversight.

About the Al-Hobob camel racing project

In a press release about the deal, Pogba said he was extremely excited about this partnership with Al-Hobob.

The French star added that the decision spoke to a deeper passion: culture, heritage, and storytelling.

I want to be part of a project that goes beyond sport, a venture that unites people and celebrates traditions worth honoring, he said.

Al-Hobob has emerged from Saudi Arabia with a heritage that spans centuries, yet aspires to a modern model that blends high-level competition, veterinary care, and cinematic storytelling.

Context: Pogba's return and career backdrop

Pogba has returned to the pitch only weeks ago after more than two years away following allegations of doping.

His ban was reduced from four years to 18 months, and he was left without a club after Juventus terminated his contract in March before signing with Monaco for a two-season spell last summer.

Punchline time: If Pogba can persuade camels to sign, defenders should fear nothing—unless the camel blocks a cross with a sandstorm. Another one: apparently the transfer window just got sandier, and Pogba’s timing looks perfectly desert-ined.