AS Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba has embarked on an unexpected new venture, joining Saudi Arabia-based Al Haboob as both a shareholder and ambassador for their professional camel racing team.

“As a shareholder, he has a genuine stake in the team’s future, from its storytelling and media strategy to its community programs,” Al Haboob said in a statement on Wednesday. “As ambassador, he becomes a bridge between cultures, introducing camel racing to audiences who may be discovering it for the first time.”

Camel racing is a popular and lucrative sport in the Middle East, attracting fans from across the region.

In an interview with the BBC published on Wednesday, Pogba—who previously played for Juventus and Manchester United—said he has long been a fan of the sport.

“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,” Pogba said. “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.”

Pogba recently returned to the pitch for the first time in over two years following a doping ban, making a substitute appearance for Monaco in their 4-1 defeat to Rennes.

The French international joined Monaco on a free transfer in June. He received a four-year ban in February 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA, known to boost testosterone levels. The suspension was later reduced to 18 months following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. -Aadi Nair/Reuters