Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player who stars as a centre for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, a seven-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medallist with Team USA, Embiid is one of the most dominant big men of his generation, known for his scoring, footwork and larger-than-life personality.
| Full Name | Joel Hans Embiid |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1994 |
| Age | 32 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Yaoundé, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Cameroonian-American |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Profession | Basketball player |
| Known For | Philadelphia 76ers, 2023 NBA MVP, Olympic gold 2024 |
| Partner | Anne de Paula |
| Children | One son, Arthur |
| Net Worth | Approx. $85 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid is a basketball player who has spent his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that selected him third overall in the 2014 draft. After injuries delayed his debut until 2016, he quickly developed into one of the league’s premier centres, winning the NBA scoring title in 2022 and 2023 before claiming the MVP award in 2023.
Embiid has also become a central figure for his national teams, representing Cameroon at youth level before winning Olympic gold with the United States at the Paris 2024 Games. His combination of size, shooting touch and defensive presence makes him one of the most complete centres in the modern game.
Early Life & Background
Joel Hans Embiid was born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He grew up playing football and volleyball, and only began playing basketball seriously as a teenager, inspired by Hakeem Olajuwon. His talent was spotted at a basketball camp in Cameroon, and he moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue the sport.
He played one season of college basketball at the University of Kansas, where he was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 despite an injury-shortened season. The 76ers drafted him third overall that summer, beginning a long partnership that would define the franchise’s rebuild around him.
His partner is Brazilian model Anne de Paula, and they have a son, Arthur, born in 2020. Embiid became a United States citizen in 2022, and he has spoken about his pride in representing both Cameroon and the United States.
Career
Embiid’s early NBA career was shaped by foot injuries that kept him out for his first two seasons, but once healthy he became the face of the 76ers’ rebuild, known as The Process. He made his first All-Star team in 2018 and has since been selected seven times, earning All-NBA honours on multiple occasions.
His finest individual season came in 2022-23, when he averaged 33.1 points per game to win the scoring title and was named NBA Most Valuable Player, beating Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo to the award. He followed that with a 70-point game in January 2024, a franchise record for the 76ers.
Like fellow centres Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili’s era of dominant big men, Embiid is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to the game. He won Olympic gold with Team USA at Paris 2024, adding an international title to his NBA honours.
Facts About Joel Embiid
- Joel Embiid won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2023 with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- He is a seven-time NBA All-Star and a two-time scoring champion.
- He won Olympic gold with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Games.
- He scored a franchise-record 70 points in a single game in January 2024.
- His partner is Brazilian model Anne de Paula, and they have a son, Arthur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid was born on March 16, 1994, which makes him 32 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Joel Embiid?
Joel Embiid is 7 feet tall (2.13 metres).
Who is Joel Embiid’s partner?
Joel Embiid’s partner is Brazilian model Anne de Paula. They have a son, Arthur, born in 2020.
What is Joel Embiid’s net worth?
Joel Embiid’s net worth is estimated at approximately $85 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2025).
What is Joel Embiid best known for?
Joel Embiid is best known as the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and the star centre of the Philadelphia 76ers.