Joel Embiid, the former NBAMVP and Philadelphia 76ers star, has been in the spotlight during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite initially planning to play for France’s national team, Embiid ultimately decided to commit to Team USA, which has led to tensions with French fans.
So much so, that Embiid was booed as he entered the court for the warm-up prior to Team USA’s game against South Sudan and Joel could only respond as only he knows how, he did it in an epic way by confronting his detractors.
The uproar began when Embiid, who obtained French citizenship in the summer of 2022, decided to also obtain U.S. citizenship months later. This dual citizenship allowed him to choose between representing France or the United States in the Olympics. Although his first choice was always to represent Cameroon, his native country’s failure to qualify left him with these two options.
Since his arrival in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, Embiid has had to deal with constant criticism and heckling. French basketball president Jean-Pierre Siutat has claimed that the team helped Embiid acquire a French passport after the 76ers star expressed his desire to represent Les Bleus in international play. However, Embiid has maintained that he never formally committed to playing for France.
Embiid explained in an interview with the New York Times that his reasons for choosing the United States over France were personal and political. “I want my family to be safe, and the relationship between France and Cameroon, or Africa in general, is not good,” Embiid said. He also mentioned that tensions between France and African countries made him uncomfortable. “There’s a lot of reluctance to kick the French out because it’s been so many years of oppression. That was my mentality,” he added.
The climax of this tension came before the U.S.-South Sudan game, when Embiid walked onto the court for warm-ups and was greeted with a wave of boos from the French crowd. Instead of being intimidated, Embiid responded in characteristic fashion, urging the fans to boo louder. This attitude not only surprised the French crowd, but also prompted U.S. fans to join in with cheers of support.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Embiid and Team USA have proven to be an unstoppable force at the Olympics. Undefeated in the group stage and as favorites to win gold, Embiid’s impact on the team and his ability to handle pressure are undeniable.
Joel Embiid has not only proven to be an exceptional player on the court, but also a master at dealing with adversity. His response to the booing in Paris is further evidence of his character and determination. As the Olympics move forward, Embiid and Team USA continue their quest for gold, hoping to take home the ultimate prize and close this chapter with a triumphant finish.
