PARIS — Joel Embiid Faces Backlash from French Fans as He Represents Team USA
- Joel Embiid faced boos from the Paris crowd during an event.
- He had previously hinted at the possibility of representing France in international basketball.
- Embiid's response aims to clarify his stance amidst the crowd's mixed reception.
The atmosphere in Paris turned hostile for Joel Embiid as he was met with boos from the crowd upon being announced as a member of Team USA during a recent basketball event. The discontent stems from Embiid's decision to play for the United States despite having obtained French citizenship in 2022, which many fans interpreted as a betrayal. Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and moved to the U.S. during high school, has never lived in France, and he remains firm in his identity as an American athlete. In a pre-practice interview, Embiid downplayed the crowd's reaction, stating, “Nothing. Like I said I’m an American, I play for Team USA.” His journey to U.S. citizenship was independent, as confirmed by his spokesman and USA Basketball officials. Despite his French heritage and previous interest in representing France, Embiid's allegiance has shifted, leading to disappointment among French basketball officials and fans. Reports indicate that French officials had assisted Embiid in obtaining a French passport, with the expectation that he would play for the national team in the Paris Olympics and the FIBA World Cup. However, sources close to Embiid suggest that the pressure from French authorities to fulfill this promise ultimately dissuaded him from committing to the French team. As the Paris Olympics unfold, the tension surrounding Embiid's choice highlights the complexities of national identity in sports, particularly for athletes with dual citizenship.