Childhood and Education Journey of Pau Gasol in Timeline
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. He also earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2002 while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the first non-American to receive the honor. He is the older brother of former NBA player Marc Gasol.
July 6, 1980: Pau Gasol's Birth
On July 6, 1980, Pau Gasol was born. He is a Spanish former professional basketball player known as one of the greatest power forwards and European players of all time.
1991: Inspired by Magic Johnson
In 1991, after hearing the news of Magic Johnson's HIV-positive status, the 11-year-old Pau Gasol aspired to become a doctor and 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 to pursue his advancing basketball career.
2003: Named UNICEF Ambassador
In 2003, Pau Gasol was named a UNICEF ambassador, participating in various campaigns and traveling to Africa.
2004: Receives Corazón de Oro
In 2004, Pau Gasol received the Corazón de Oro (Gold Heart) award from the Spanish Heart Foundation for his commitment to solidarity.
2009: Joins "Hoops for St. Jude" charity program
In 2009, Pau Gasol joined the "Hoops for St. Jude" charity program, which benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
December 2010: Takes part in We Are Bigger Than Aids campaign
In December 2010, Pau Gasol, along with other NBA stars, participated in the We Are Bigger Than Aids campaign against the HIV virus.
2010: Trade Rumors
During the 2011-12 NBA season, Pau Gasol was subjected to trade rumors involving Chris Paul.
2010: Awarded Charitable Athlete Prize
In 2010, Pau Gasol received the Charitable Athlete Prize from the Fundación SOS, recognizing his commitment to charitable work.
2011: Trade Rumors
During the 2011-12 NBA season, Pau Gasol was subjected to trade rumors involving Chris Paul.
2013: Establishes the Gasol Foundation with his brother Marc
In 2013, Pau Gasol, along with his brother Marc, founded the Gasol Foundation to promote community health and healthy living habits, focusing on preventing and combating childhood obesity.
November 2015: Creates t-shirt to help the Gasol Foundation's work
In November 2015, after being named Global Impact Player by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Pau Gasol created a t-shirt to support the Gasol Foundation's efforts.
March 2017: Gasol Foundation moves headquarters to Sant Boi
In March 2017, Pau and Marc Gasol decided to relocate the Gasol Foundation's headquarters from Barcelona to Sant Boi, where Pau was born.
2017: Elected vice president of NBPA
In 2017, Pau Gasol was elected vice president of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association, of the NBA).
May 2018: Publishes open letter defending women as coaches
In May 2018, Pau Gasol published an open letter in The Players Tribune advocating for the role of women as coaches, specifically supporting Becky Hammon's candidacy as an NBA coach, and advocating for new social norms to embrace equality and diversity.
September 2018: Joins Fundación Atresmedia campaign
In September 2018, following the release of his book Bajo el aro (Under the Hoop), Pau Gasol joined Spain's Fundación Atresmedia campaign to involve families in schools.
June 2019: Becomes member of Advisory Council of Spanish Sport (CADE)
Since June 2019, Pau Gasol has been a member of the Advisory Council of Spanish Sport (CADE), which is part of the Association of Spanish Sport (ADESP).
July 2019: Gasol Marries Catherine McDonnell
In July 2019, Pau Gasol married Catherine McDonnell.
September 2019: Gasol Foundation presents Estudio Pasos
In September 2019, the Gasol Foundation presented the Estudio Pasos, a pioneering study examining obesity levels in children aged 8 to 18 and highlighting the levels of physical inactivity among children and adolescents.
September 13, 2020: Birth of Elisabet Gianna Gasol
On September 13, 2020, Pau Gasol and his wife Catherine McDonnell welcomed their daughter, Elisabet Gianna Gasol. Her middle name is a tribute to Kobe Bryant's late daughter.
2020: Continues as vice president of NBPA
In 2020, Pau Gasol continued his role as vice president of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association, of the NBA), a position he held since 2017.
