Joel Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA over France at the Paris Olympics has not been well-received by the French fans. During the U.S. men’s basketball team’s Olympic opener against Serbia, French fans made sure to let Embiid know how they felt about his choice.
The NBA star, who hails from Cameroon and was granted French citizenship in 2022, was met with boos every time he touched the ball or made a play on the court. The disappointment from the French fans stems from the hope that Embiid would join forces with other NBA stars like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert to represent France in the Olympics.
While Embiid could have also chosen to play for Cameroon, the country was eliminated early in the qualification process, leaving him to decide between France and the U.S. Ultimately, he opted to play for Team USA, citing that his son was born in the United States as one of the reasons for his decision.
Despite his personal reasons for choosing the U.S. team, French fans were unforgiving in their reaction to Embiid’s decision. The disappointment and frustration were palpable in the arena as they made their feelings known throughout the game.
It is clear that Embiid’s choice to represent Team USA over France has not been forgotten by the French fans, and the impact of their reaction was evident during the game against Serbia. As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen if Embiid will continue to face backlash from the French supporters.
In the world of international sports, representing one’s country is a matter of pride and honor. For Joel Embiid, the decision to play for Team USA has sparked controversy and backlash from disappointed French fans. Despite the criticism, Embiid remains focused on his goal of competing at the highest level and making the most of his Olympic experience with the U.S. team.