Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 7 feet (2.13 m) tall and weighing 280 lbs (127 kg), he is one of the most dominant big men in the game today. Born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Embiid has become a seven-time NBA All-Star, NBA MVP (2023), two-time NBA scoring champion (2022, 2023), and an Olympic gold medalist (2024).
After playing one season of college basketball at Kansas, Embiid was drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite early injuries that delayed his debut, he has since established himself as one of the greatest players in the league, earning multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections.
In this article, we will explore Joel Embiid’s net worth, salary, contracts, career statistics, early life, family, relationships, physical attributes, and lesser-known facts.
Joel Embiid Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joel Hans Embiid |
| Stage Name | “The Process” |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player (NBA) |
| Hometown | Yaoundé, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Cameroonian / French / American |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1994 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 years old |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| College | Kansas (2013–2014) |
| NBA Draft | 2014, 1st Round, 3rd Pick (Philadelphia 76ers) |
| Playing Career | 2014–present |
| NBA Team | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Position | Center |
| Jersey Number | 21 |
| Nickname | “The Process” |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 2024 (USA Basketball Team) |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Joel Embiid was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to Thomas Embiid, a military officer, and Christine Embiid. Initially, he played volleyball and soccer, intending to pursue a professional volleyball career in Europe. However, at the age of 15, he switched to basketball, inspired by NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon.
Move to the United States
Embiid was discovered by fellow Cameroonian and NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute, who mentored him and helped him move to the United States at 16 years old. He first attended Montverde Academy but later transferred to The Rock School in Gainesville, Florida, where he dominated high school basketball.
College Basketball at Kansas (2013–2014)
Embiid played one season at the University of Kansas, where he showcased his elite defensive and offensive skills. He was named:
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2014)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2014)
- Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2014)
Despite suffering a stress fracture in his back, he declared for the 2014 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
NBA Career
Philadelphia 76ers (2014–present)
Injury-Plagued Seasons (2014–2016)
Embiid was selected third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, a broken navicular bone in his right foot delayed his NBA debut for two seasons (2014–2016). His setbacks led to doubts about his future, but he remained determined to succeed.
2016–17 Season: All-Rookie Team
After two years of injuries, Embiid finally made his NBA debut in October 2016. Despite playing only 31 games, he impressed with averages of 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
2017–2023: Rise to Superstardom
Over the next few seasons, Embiid solidified himself as one of the best players in the NBA:
- 2017-18: Named an NBA All-Star for the first time.
- 2018-19: Led the 76ers to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
- 2019-20: Averaged 23.0 points and 11.6 rebounds, but the team suffered a first-round playoff exit.
- 2020-21: MVP runner-up, averaging 28.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG.
- 2021-22 & 2022-23: NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.6 PPG and 33.1 PPG.
- 2022-23: Won his first NBA MVP Award.
2023–24: Career Highs and Knee Surgery
- Embiid started the season with a career-high 70-point game against the Spurs.
- Unfortunately, he suffered a meniscus injury and had to undergo knee surgery, missing part of the season.
- He returned and recorded a playoff career-high 50 points against the Knicks in the first round.
2024–25 Season
- After returning from injury, Embiid posted a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in a 76ers win over the Mavericks.
- However, the 76ers are struggling in the standings, fighting for a playoff spot.
Family and Relationships
Joel Embiid is married to Brazilian model Anne de Paula. They began dating in 2018 and got married in July 2023. They have a son, Arthur Embiid, born in September 2020.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Thomas Embiid (Military Officer) |
| Mother | Christine Embiid |
| Brother | Arthur Embiid (deceased in 2014) |
| Sister | Not Publicly Known |
| Spouse | Anne de Paula (Married in 2023) |
| Children | Arthur Embiid (Born 2020) |
Physical Appearance
Joel Embiid is a towering presence on the court, known for his size and strength.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | No known tattoos |
| Distinguishing Features | Tall, muscular build |
Net Worth and Salary
Joel Embiid’s Estimated Net Worth (2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $100 million+ |
| Primary Income Sources | NBA Salary, Endorsements |
| Annual Salary | $50 million+ |
| Endorsement Deals | Under Armour, Hulu, Mountain Dew |
| Contract | 4-year, $196 million extension (Signed in 2021) |
Lesser-Known Facts About Joel Embiid
- He learned basketball by watching Hakeem Olajuwon and Kobe Bryant.
- He is fluent in French and Basaa.
- He almost quit basketball after his brother’s death in 2014.
- He famously trolled NBA players and fans on Twitter.
- He is an avid Real Madrid soccer fan.
- He donated $100,000 to fight homelessness in Philadelphia.
- He became a U.S. citizen in 2022 and played for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics.
- His nickname “The Process” was inspired by the 76ers’ rebuild.
Conclusion
Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation. From overcoming injuries to winning MVP and an Olympic Gold Medal, he continues to make history in the NBA. Whether leading the 76ers to a championship or inspiring the next generation of athletes, Embiid remains a dominant force in basketball.
“This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.”
