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Paul Pogba signed a two-year deal with Monaco last summer Paul Pogba has moved into the sport of camel racing after investing in Saudi Arabia-based team Al Haboob. The Monaco midfielder has become a shareholder and ambassador for Al Haboob - the world's first professional camel racing team competing across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf. Pogba, 32, told BBC Sport: "I've watched my fair share of [camel] races on You Tube 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. " Camel racing is a traditional sport which is particularly popular in the Middle East. Pogba set to make first appearance since doping ban Why Monaco have gambled on 'wildcard' Pogba "People might not realise it, but sport always connects in some way, " added Frenchman Pogba. "Whether it's football, camel racing, boxing - the foundations are similar. You need determination, you need focus, you need discipline and grit. That's what makes champions at the end of the day. " Pogba, who became the world's most expensive player when he joined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for £89m, added: "Being the world's most expensive footballer was an honour, but it also came with a lot of hard work, pressure and responsibility. "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. " Al Haboob, founded by entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, is the world's first modern camel racing team to compete internationally. "Paul's involvement is transformational, " said Almaeena. "His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing; it is about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition. " Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football on 22 November after coming on as a late substitute in Monaco's 4-1 Ligue 1 defeat by Rennes. The 2018 World Cup winner had not played since featuring for Juventus against Empoli in September 2023, following an original four-year doping ban, that was cut to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). Pogba maintained it was a mistake and he was given a supplement without knowing it contained a banned substance. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more Biggest rule change ever and Brit teen - what's new in F1 in 2026? Liverpool reaction: What next for Salah and Slot after victory against Inter? Martin Lewis's top tips from Premium Bonds to student loans The second series of Mammoth has defrosted on BBC i Player Margaret Atwood, award-winning author, shares her Desert Island Discs The classic 1972 Doctor Who story that introduced the Sea Devils Biggest rule change ever and Brit teen - what's new in F1 in 2026? The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more 'I was poisoning myself before endurance events' England need to win next Test or Ashes will get embarrassing - Mc Grath How did Littler get Man Utd away tickets - and why has it sparked debate? Hamilton's struggles and ranking Verstappen's 2025 - Q&A Norris keen to 'live a normal few days' and 'forget I drive in F1' Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? 'England in battle to avoid worst Ashes tour in modern times' How Norris achieved his lifetime's ambition by 'winning it my way' Is there any way back for Salah and Liverpool? England soundly beaten by Australia in second Test drubbing. Video England soundly beaten by Australia in second Test drubbing Plotting England and Scotland's routes through the World Cup Memorable O'Sullivan moments as snooker great turns 50 BBC to show Sabalenka v Kyrgios in 'Battle of Sexes' Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.