- Joel Embiid’s parents Thomas and Christine have been married for more than three decades now and they have shared three children although one died in 2014
- Although they wanted their son, Joel Embiid to play volleyball and study medicine, they have supported him throughout his basketball career
- Their family was devasted when the youngest son, Arthur died in 2014
Joel Embiid’s parents have been very supportive and caring towards their son’s career in the NBA. Joel Embiid’s father Thomas understands the pros and cons of being an athlete since he used to be one himself.
Although Christine, Joel’s mother wanted him to study medicine, she could not help but support her son’s dream and passion. The basketball player is one of the three children the Cameroonians have.
Who are Joel Embiid’s Parents?
Thomas Embiid is a colonel in the Cameroon military. While growing up, he was a professional handball player. He has been married to his wife Christine for more than three decades now.
Thomas and Christine have three kids together and Joel is said to be the eldest. The two others include a daughter Muriel and a son Arthur Embiid.
It was reported that the parents of three initially did not want their son to play basketball. His father wanted him to stick with volleyball because he thought Volleyball was a casual game that would not interfere with his son’s education.
For Cameroonians at that time, it was more convenient to play soccer than basketball. In the long run, Joel Embiid’s parents had no choice but to support him pursue his career.
Meet Thomas Embiid and Christine Embiid Children
The military colonel and his wife have a rather moderate family. . However, the family number reduced when he lost his brother Arthur. Take a look at other details about the members of his family including his son and girlfriend.
1. Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers player is the first child in his family. Born March 16, 1994, the Cameroonian played volleyball and soccer during his early years and even had plans to play volleyball professionally in Europe but switched to basketball at the age of 15.
Joel was mentored by Mbah a Moute, his countryman, and also an NBA player.
The younger Embiid is a three-time member of the All-NBA Team and also a five-time NBA All-Star.
He made history as the first center since 2000 to lead the NBA during the 2021-22 season and also the first foreign player to lead the NBA in scoring.
2. Arthur Embiid
The youngest son of the family Arthur was only 13 years when he passed in October 2014. He died following his involvement in a car crash. The thirteen-year-old lost his life in the accident.
Arthur was reportedly coming back from school when he got hit by a truck. The whole family was devasted after he was announced dead. Joel was drafted into the NBA at the same time he lost his brother.
Arthur and Joel were reportedly close that the former was inconsolable when he learned his big brother was leaving Cameroon to play in Europe.
3. Laurence Embiid
Laurence Embiid is the only daughter in the family. Laurence is rumored to be a model although she seems to be off the radar she has an active Twitter account.
Lolo Embiid as she is known allegedly played volleyball while she was at Rochester College.
Other Interesting Facts about Joel Embiid’s Parents
1. Joel and Christine are Now Grandparents
According to reports, the NBA star started dating Anne de Paula after they met at a dinner in 2018. Anna is a Brazillian model from Rio de Janeiro and is now signed with Wilhelmina Models.
In 2020, the pair welcomed a baby boy whom they named after the player’s younger brother who passed in 2014.
2. Their Children Have Remarkable Heights
Joel’s sister shares a similar trait with him. She is said to be 6 feet 2 inches tall while her big brother has a towering height of 7 feet. It is not sure where the siblings got the towering height traits from but it has surely become a breakthrough for them.
3. Thomas Embiid First Watched His Son Play in 2013
After Joel, 31, was picked to play basketball in Europe, his father only traveled in 2013 to witness his son’s game. Indeed, it became the first of many firsts. During the game, Joel scored 16 points as No. 2 Kansas defeated Iona.
4. Their Son is Reportedly Joining the French National Team Soon
Although it has been said that he is eligible to compete for the Cameroonian national basketball team, the NBA star is said to be in the process of obtaining French citizenship which would make him eligible to play for the French national team.
Read Also: Anderson Silva’s Children, Wife, Parents, And Other Family Members
5. Are the NBA Star’s Parents Rich?
It is not clear if the parents of the NBA were poor but there are reports that suggest their family was a middle-class income family.
At the moment, it is possible Thomas and his wife have both retired. Their son on the other hand seems to be at the peak of his career. With a net worth of about $35 million, Joel Embiid has reportedly earned more than $30 million from his incentives and brand endorsements.
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