Joel Embiid, the NBA star, may change his citizenship before 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Philadelphia 76ers center has dual American and French citizenships as well as coming from Cameroon. However, he created some controversy when he opted to play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Every time he touched the ball or scored, Embiid was booed by French fans, who were disappointed with his decision. However, this otherworldly talent has taken an average U.S. team to a final showdown against a very good French side led by Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama.
With a gold medal game on the horizon, it seems Embiid might be having second thoughts about where he wants to represent in future Olympic Games. He suggested that instead of playing for America again in 2028, he may choose to represent his homeland, Cameroon.
“It’s been a good experience,” Embiid told the San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s been a grind being away from family for weeks. The group of guys we have made it easy..Paris is a great city then next one is LA.
It might not be with the US; It might be with Cameroon”.
Embiid Sole Decision
The Sixers center insists that only he will decide which country to represent in 2028. He shrugged off any concerns over how fans may react, saying his choice of the US over France was politically motivated due to ongoing tensions between Cameroon and France.
“I kind of felt rushed in that decision because I wanted to take as much time as possible,” Embiid said. “It didn’t help that France put an ultimatum on when the decision had to be made. I saw it on Twitter, and I was like, ‘Woah, where did it come from?’ ” Embiid appreciated America for letting him think freely.“From the conversations that I had with U.S it was just, ‘ Take as much time as you need, there’s no rush.
We’d love to have you, but it’s okay if you make another decision.’ When you have somebody else pressuring you, then it may seem like,’ Oh, you have to make a decision.’” However, Embiid has always said he would love nothing more than to play for Cameroon at the 2028 Olympics if they qualify.
“If they qualify, I’m playing for my home country because that’s my dream to play in the Olympics,” he said.
