Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is set to make his Olympics debut for Team USA when the Americans kick off their gold medal quest on Sunday against Serbia. On Thursday, the former NBA MVP arrived in Paris with the national squad as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Apparently, some French fans weren’t at all happy to see Embiid set foot on his own land.
Philadelphia 76ers News: Joel Embiid Trolled by French Fans
For context, Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, holds dual citizenship with the United States and France. In fact, it wasn’t until last year that the 7-foot center announced his decision to turn down the opportunity to represent France on the international stage in favor of suiting up for Team USA.
The French remember this all too well, and they made sure to throw it right on Embiid’s face at the very first opportunity they got.
“Give back your passport,” screamed a fan. “You should have played for France, you’re not American.”
As Joel Embiid arrived in Paris with Team USA, he was met with heckles and jeers from French fans. Phrases like "Give back your passport" and "You should have played for France" were reportedly shouted at him. pic.twitter.com/gXTYNZw27j
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) July 24, 2024
It sounds like Embiid isn’t going to get a warm welcome in Paris.
To be fair to Embiid, he took the jab like a champ. He was looking in the direction of the troll so it seems like he heard (and understood) what was being shouted at him. The Sixers superstar just smiled and continued walking to the bus.
It goes without saying that Embiid will have a lot to prove in the Olympic Games, starting with Sunday’s clash against Nikola Jokic and Serbia.
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