Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was recently honored with one of his native country’s highest awards, the Medal of Commander of the Order of Valor, during a visit to Cameroon.
The 30-year-old NBA standout, who faced mixed reactions at the Paris Summer Olympics, was warmly welcomed in the Central African nation on Wednesday, August 14, where he received the prestigious honor from President Paul Biya.
A video shared on social media captured the moment Embiid accepted the medal, which recognizes Cameroon natives who have made “exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, science, agriculture, commerce, or industry.”
The honor holds special significance for Embiid, who was born and raised in Cameroon before moving to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue his basketball career. He went on to play for one year at the University of Kansas before entering the NBA, where he has since become a seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA scoring champion.
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This recognition marks the culmination of a busy and eventful summer for Embiid, who played a key role in Team USA’s gold-medal victory at the Paris Summer Olympics. Despite being booed by the crowd during the games, particularly in the men’s basketball final against France on August 10, Embiid’s contributions on the court were undeniable. His standout performance came earlier in the semifinals against Serbia on August 8, where he scored 19 points in 27 minutes, helping secure Team USA’s place in the final.
Throughout the Olympics, Embiid faced criticism from some fans for his decision to represent Team USA rather than France, despite having the option to play for either country. “I frankly don’t understand why I’ve got a lot of criticism from the crowd,” Embiid told reporters, including PEOPLE, on Friday, August 9. His choice to play for Team USA was not an easy one, as he explained.
“Having lived half my life in the U.S. and the other half in my country Cameroon, it just looked like you could go two ways,” Embiid said. “And I’ve always said from the beginning—everybody knew that if Cameroon would’ve qualified, that would’ve never been a choice.”
Embiid’s receipt of the Order of Valor from President Biya not only celebrates his achievements on the basketball court but also honors his deep connection to his homeland. For Embiid, this award represents a full-circle moment, acknowledging both his roots in Cameroon and his accomplishments on the global stage. The honor is a reminder of the significant impact he has had, not only in the world of sports but also as a proud representative of his country.
