Early Life and Education of Joel Embiid: A Complete Timeline

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

Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, is a dominant force in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2014, the 7-foot center has become a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team selection. He's also a two-time NBA scoring champion and was crowned the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2023. Further solidifying his status, Embiid earned a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 2024.

Sections (4)

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

March 1994: Joel Embiid's Birth

On March 1994, Joel Hans Embiid was born. He is a Cameroonian and American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

November 2012: Committed to Kansas

In November 2012, Joel Embiid, a five-star recruit, committed to playing basketball at the University of Kansas.

2013: Played for Kansas

In the 2013-14 season, Joel Embiid played 28 games for the University of Kansas, averaging 11.2 points and earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.

February 2014: Naismith College Player of the Year Finalist

On 13 February 2014, Joel Embiid was named one of the 30 finalists for the Naismith College Player of the Year award while playing for the University of Kansas.

March 2014: Stress Fracture in Back

In March 2014, Joel Embiid suffered a stress fracture in his back, causing him to miss the Big 12 tournament and NCAA tournament while playing for Kansas.

October 2014: Death of Brother, Arthur

In October 2014, Joel Embiid's younger brother, Arthur, tragically passed away in a car accident in Cameroon.

September 2020: Birth of Son

In September 2020, Anne de Paula gave birth to Joel Embiid's son.

July 2022: Granted French Citizenship

In July 2022, Joel Embiid was granted citizenship by France, recognized as someone whose naturalization is of exceptional interest to the country.

July 2023: Marriage to Anne de Paula

In July 2023, Joel Embiid married Brazilian model Anne de Paula.

2023: Founded Miniature Géant Production Studio

In 2023, Joel Embiid partnered with Lebron James's SpringHill Company to found Miniature Géant, a production studio focusing on African storytelling.

April 2024: Embiid puts up a playoff career-high 50 points and discloses diagnosis with Bell's Palsy

On April 25, 2024, Joel Embiid scored a playoff career-high 50 points in Game 3 of the first round against the New York Knicks. In the press conference after the game, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and had been dealing with migraines and blurred vision.