Early Life and Education of Joakim Noah: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Joakim Noah. From birth to education, explore key events.

Joakim Noah is a retired professional basketball player who played college basketball at the University of Florida where he won two national championships. Drafted ninth overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2007, Noah became a two-time NBA All-Star. In 2014, he earned All-NBA First Team honors and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, marking the pinnacle of his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Zacharie Noah wins Coupe de France

In 1961, Joakim Noah's grandfather, Zacharie Noah, won the Coupe de France as a professional football player.

1978: Cécilia Rodhe at Miss Universe

In 1978, Joakim Noah's mother, Cécilia Rodhe, was the fourth runner-up at Miss Universe.

1983: Yannick Noah wins French Open

In 1983, Joakim Noah's father, Yannick Noah, won the French Open, a significant accomplishment as a tennis player.

February 25, 1985: Joakim Noah's Birth

On February 25, 1985, Joakim Simon Noah was born. He is a former professional basketball player who played for the France national team and in college for the Florida Gators.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Move to Paris

In 1988, Joakim Noah moved to Paris, France, where he lived until 1998.

1998: Return to New York City

In 1998, at the age of 13, Joakim Noah returned to New York City after living in Paris.

2004: Joakim Noah joins Florida Gators

In 2004, Joakim Noah received an athletic scholarship to play basketball for the University of Florida under coach Billy Donovan.

2004: Recruitment Ranking

In 2004, Joakim Noah was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, listed as the No. 19 power forward and the No. 75 player in the nation.

2007: Playing for Florida Gators until 2007

Joakim Noah played for coach Billy Donovan's Florida Gators men's basketball team from 2004 to 2007.

2010: Founded Noah's Arc Foundation

In 2010, Joakim Noah, with his mother, founded the Noah's Arc Foundation to engage children with positive self-expression through arts and sports, focusing on at-risk youth in Chicago.

2010: Obama comments on Noah's Shooting Style

In 2010, during a pick-up basketball game at the White House, President Barack Obama jokingly criticized Joakim Noah's unconventional shooting style.

February 27, 2017: Underwent Knee Arthroscopy

On February 27, 2017, Joakim Noah underwent a left knee arthroscopy to remove a loose body and was ruled out for three to four weeks.

April 12, 2017: Required Surgery for Torn Rotator Cuff

On April 12, 2017, it was determined that Joakim Noah required surgery for a left torn rotator cuff, necessitating four to six months of rehabilitation.

July 2018: Began dating Lais Ribeiro

In July 2018, Joakim Noah began dating Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro.

September 2019: Engaged to Lais Ribeiro

In September 2019, Joakim Noah and Lais Ribeiro became engaged at Burning Man.

July 13, 2022: Married Lais Ribeiro

On July 13, 2022, Joakim Noah and Lais Ribeiro were married in Trancoso, Brazil.

June 2024: Philippines Visit

In June 2024, during his first Philippines visit, Joakim Noah served as a global liquor brand ambassador, conducted an NBA Jr. clinic, and played pickup basketball with young Filipino talents in Mandaluyong.