Pau Gasol is a Spanish former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest European players in NBA history. A two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, a six-time All-Star and a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Gasol also led Spain to a World Cup title and three Olympic medals, becoming the most decorated player in Spanish basketball history.
| Full Name | Pau Gasol Sáez |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1980 |
| Age | 46 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Barcelona, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Profession | Former basketball player |
| Known For | Los Angeles Lakers, 2x NBA champion, Spain national team |
| Wife | Catherine McDonnell (married 2019) |
| Children | Two, Elisabet Gianna and Max |
| Net Worth | Approx. $120 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Pau Gasol?
Pau Gasol is a basketball player whose skill, intelligence and versatility redefined what a big man could do in the modern game. Drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001 and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year before becoming the first Spanish player to be selected as an All-Star.
His career reached its peak after a 2008 trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he formed a formidable partnership with Kobe Bryant and helped the franchise win back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Early Life & Background
Pau Gasol Sáez was born on July 6, 1980, in Barcelona, Spain. His mother, Marisa, was a doctor, and his father, Agustí, was a nurse administrator, and both had played basketball. Pau grew up playing football and basketball, and he initially considered a career in medicine before committing fully to the sport.
He came through the youth system at FC Barcelona, making his senior debut as a teenager and helping the club win the Spanish league title in 2001. His performances in Spain and at youth international level marked him out as a future star, and he declared for the NBA draft that summer.
He married Catherine McDonnell in 2019, and they have two children, daughter Elisabet Gianna and son Max. His younger brother Marc Gasol also became an NBA champion, making the Gasols one of basketball’s most accomplished sibling pairs.
Career
Gasol spent his first six and a half NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he became the franchise’s first All-Star and its all-time leading scorer at the time of his departure. A mid-season trade to the Lakers in 2008 transformed both his career and the franchise, with Los Angeles reaching three straight NBA Finals and winning two titles.
After leaving the Lakers, Gasol played for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks, earning further All-Star selections and remaining a respected veteran presence. He finished his career back in Spain with FC Barcelona in 2021 before announcing his retirement in 2024.
With Spain, Gasol won the 2006 FIBA World Cup, three EuroBasket titles and Olympic silver medals in 2008 and 2012, plus a bronze in 2016. Like his former Spurs teammates Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili, Gasol is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to the game.
Facts About Pau Gasol
- Pau Gasol won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, in 2009 and 2010.
- He was a six-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
- He led Spain to the 2006 FIBA World Cup title and three Olympic medals.
- He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- He has been married to Catherine McDonnell since 2019, and they have two children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pau Gasol?
Pau Gasol was born on July 6, 1980, which makes him 46 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Pau Gasol?
Pau Gasol is 7 feet tall (2.13 metres).
Who is Pau Gasol married to?
Pau Gasol has been married to Catherine McDonnell since 2019. They have two children, Elisabet Gianna and Max.
What is Pau Gasol’s net worth?
Pau Gasol’s net worth is estimated at approximately $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2025).
What is Pau Gasol best known for?
Pau Gasol is best known as a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and as the leader of Spain’s golden generation of basketball.