Joel Embiid’s nationality was a trending topic at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The NBA MVP is making his debut with the US men’s national team, choosing America over other available options such as France and Cameroon.

This decision has led to much hostility from countries, not play for.

Several members of the French Basketball Federation expressed their anger at Embiid’s decision. The head coach of the Cameroonian national team expressed his deep disappointment in the African-born player. Spectators in France also booed Embiid incessantly.

Learn more about the story behind Embiid’s nationality below.

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Where does Joel Embiid come from?

Embiid was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and lived in Africa until he was 16 years old, when basketball brought him to the United States.

This is where his Cameroonian citizenship comes into play, giving him the opportunity to represent his home country if he so wishes.

Liz Mills, head coach of the Cameroon national team, was upset with Embiid when he chose the United States over his home country ahead of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.

“Imagine the impact he would have had if he had chosen Cameroon and the impact that would have had on all of Africa. It would mean so much more than helping the USA win another gold medal. A very disappointing decision,” she wrote on X.

However, Embiid has not yet completely turned away from joining the Cameroon national team. Before the US national team’s gold medal game, the star center hinted that he could possibly play in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“It was tough being away from home and family for a few weeks. But our group of guys made it easy for us. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. Maybe not with Team USA, maybe with Cameroon,” he said.

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Joel Embiid’s connections to France

In July 2022, Embiid obtained French citizenship with the intention of playing for the national team. He has never lived in France, but is fluent in French and has family in the country.

He reportedly told French Basketball Federation officials that he wanted to “play for France” and “win with France,” according to former NBA player and general manager of the French national team Boris Diaw.

When he chose the USA over France, there was a strong backlash from the country’s basketball representatives.

Former French national team center Frederic Weis even went so far as to say: “I would strip him of his French citizenship and forbid him from entering France (for the Olympic Games).”

Joel Embiid’s decision to join Team USA

Embiid has lived in the USA since he was 16. His first-born son was also born in America.

When it came to deciding which national team to play for, these two things were more important than any other factor.

“I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It wasn’t easy. I’m lucky to call Cameroon, France and the USA my home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play in the league with my brothers. I want to play for my fans because they have been incredible since the day I came here. But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the USA. I want my boy to know that I played my first Olympics for him,” Embiid wrote in a post on X.

I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It wasn’t easy. I’m lucky to call Cameroon, France and the USA my home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play in the league with my brothers. I want to play for my fans because they… pic.twitter.com/6VHSQTKVl3

– Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 5, 2023

Now Embiid is just one win away from his first Olympic gold medal, and it’s only right that he has to go through France to achieve that goal.