Childhood and Education Journey of Pau Gasol in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Pau Gasol, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Pau Gasol is a retired Spanish professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards and European players of all time. A six-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection, he won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Gasol was the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Memphis Grizzlies, the first non-American to receive the honor. He is the older brother of former NBA player Marc Gasol.

Sections (4)

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

July 6, 1980: Pau Gasol's Birth

On July 6, 1980, Pau Gasol Sáez was born. He is a Spanish former professional basketball player, a six-time NBA All-Star, and a four-time All-NBA team selection.

1991: Decision to Become a Doctor

In 1991, after hearing Magic Johnson's announcement about being HIV-positive, the 11-year-old Pau Gasol decided he wanted to become a doctor to find a cure for AIDS.

1998: Enrolls in Medical School

In 1998, Pau Gasol enrolled in medical school at the University of Barcelona, but left after one year.

April 5, 2004: First Missed Game Due to Injury

On April 5, 2004, Pau Gasol missed the first game of his career due to a foot injury, ending his streak of 240 consecutive games played.

2006: Injured at FIBA World Championship

Near the end of Spain's semifinal win over Argentina in the 2006 FIBA World Championship, Pau Gasol suffered a broken foot, causing him to miss the first 23 games of the 2006–07 NBA season.

April 2010: Scheduled to observe spinal surgery

In April 2010, Pau Gasol was scheduled to sit in on a spinal surgery with Dr. David Skaggs, but cancelled due to a fever.

June 2010: Observed spinal surgery

In June 2010, Pau Gasol observed Dr. David Skaggs lead a team operating on a 13-year-old girl from Colorado with scoliosis.

August 2012: Adrià enrolled at UCLA

In August 2012, Pau Gasol's youngest brother, Adrià, enrolled at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and joined the UCLA basketball team as a walk on.

March 2017: Moved the Gasol Foundation's headquarters

In March 2017, the Gasol brothers decided to move the Gasol Foundation's headquarters from Barcelona to Sant Boi, where Pau was born.

July 2019: Married Catherine McDonnell

In July 2019, Pau Gasol married Catherine McDonnell.

September 13, 2020: Birth of daughter Elisabet Gianna Gasol

On September 13, 2020, Pau Gasol and Catherine McDonnell's daughter, Elisabet Gianna Gasol, was born. Her middle name is a tribute to Kobe Bryant's late daughter.