Joel Embiid’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Embiid is one of basketball’s most recognizable stars, having won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2023. Beyond his achievements on the court, his family has played an essential role in shaping his career, particularly his parents, wife, son, and the memory of his younger brother, Arthur Embiid.

Joel Embiid’s wife is Brazilian model Anne de Paula, whom he married on July 22, 2023. The couple have a son named Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, born in September 2020. His parents are Thomas and Christine Embiid, and he grew up with two younger siblings: his sister Muriel and his late brother Arthur, who tragically died in a road accident in Cameroon in 2014. Embiid has frequently spoken about how becoming a husband and father transformed his priorities and strengthened his connection to his family.

Who Is Joel Embiid’s Wife?

Joel Embiid is married to Anne de Paula, a Brazilian professional model best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Anne was born on March 31, 1995, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before pursuing modeling, she developed a strong interest in soccer and played as a goalkeeper during her childhood.

Growing up in Brazil, Anne dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, she eventually discovered an interest in fashion and modeling, beginning her career as a teenager.

She signed with a modeling agency at approximately 14 years old and gradually established herself in the fashion industry.

Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she won the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search competition, earning the opportunity to appear as a rookie in the magazine’s 2018 swimsuit edition.

She subsequently appeared in several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit features, including photo shoots in Anguilla, Nevis, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic.

Anne has also worked with modeling agencies and fashion brands while building a substantial international following.

Although her professional career has brought her considerable recognition, her marriage to Embiid and their shared experiences as parents have become important parts of her public life.

How Did Joel Embiid Meet Anne de Paula?

Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula first met in 2018 at a dinner organized by a mutual friend in New York City.

According to an ESPN interview published in May 2021, Anne initially did not know that Embiid was a professional basketball player.

They barely spoke during their first meeting, and she only realized how unusually tall he was when he stood up at the end of dinner.

Despite their quiet introduction, they discovered that they had several important interests in common.

Both had left their home countries as teenagers to pursue professional opportunities in the United States. Embiid had moved from Cameroon to develop his basketball career, while Anne had moved from Brazil to pursue modeling.

They also shared an interest in soccer, spoke French, and hoped to have families of their own.

Their connection initially developed as a friendship, and they began communicating frequently through video calls.

In her interview with ESPN, Anne described the beginning of their relationship as a beautiful friendship that gradually became romantic.

She also praised Embiid’s personality, explaining that he encouraged the people around him to pursue their ambitions and become better versions of themselves.

The couple began dating in 2018 and developed a long-term relationship before welcoming their first child in 2020.

When Did Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula Get Married?

Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula married on July 22, 2023, in Southampton, New York, in the Hamptons.

The wedding took place approximately five years after they first met and nearly three years after the birth of their son.

The couple exchanged vows during a church ceremony before celebrating with family members and friends.

Their wedding included photographs on Cryder Beach and a reception featuring musical performances by Meek Mill and Brian McKnight.

Embiid wore a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie, while Anne wore an elegant white wedding dress and veil.

Their young son, Arthur, also participated in the celebration, wearing a tuxedo that complemented his father’s outfit.

After the wedding, Anne shared photographs on social media, expressing her happiness about beginning a new chapter of their relationship as husband and wife.

The ceremony attracted considerable attention because Embiid had won his first NBA Most Valuable Player award only a few months earlier.

For the couple, however, the occasion represented an important family milestone rather than simply another public celebration.

How Many Children Does Joel Embiid Have?

Joel Embiid has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid.

Arthur was born in September 2020 and is the first child of Embiid and his wife, Anne de Paula.

The couple named their son in honor of Embiid’s younger brother, Arthur, who died in Cameroon in October 2014.

Becoming a father was a particularly meaningful experience for Embiid because it helped him reconnect with the memory of his brother while establishing a new generation of his family.

Although Embiid has occasionally joked about wanting enough children to form a soccer team, there is no reliable public confirmation that he and Anne have welcomed additional children.

Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid – Joel Embiid’s Son

Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid was born on September 17, 2020, according to a family profile published by People magazine.

His birth was publicly announced by his parents on September 24, 2020, when Embiid shared photographs and a message celebrating the arrival of his son.

The announcement attracted attention because Embiid humorously suggested that he wanted a very large family, although he acknowledged that Anne was not convinced by the idea.

More importantly, Embiid explained that becoming a father had given his life a new sense of purpose.

The decision to name his son Arthur was particularly significant because of the basketball player’s close relationship with his late younger brother.

In a May 2021 ESPN interview, Embiid explained that his brother had been a generous child who frequently helped people in their neighborhood in Cameroon.

When he learned that Anne was expecting a boy, he knew that he wanted to preserve his brother’s name through his son.

Arthur has occasionally appeared alongside his father at basketball games, public events, and award ceremonies.

One of the most memorable moments occurred in May 2023, when Embiid was presented with the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy.

During the ceremony, Arthur joined his father on the court, creating an emotional scene as Embiid embraced his son.

The basketball star became visibly emotional and explained that fatherhood had changed his life.

He also acknowledged the important role Anne had played in supporting him throughout his career.

Embiid has spoken about wanting his son to see him as someone who works hard, remains dedicated to his responsibilities, and sets a positive example.

His family also influenced his decision to represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he won a gold medal with the American basketball team.

As of now, Arthur remains Joel Embiid’s only publicly confirmed child.

Who Are Joel Embiid’s Parents?

Joel Embiid’s parents are Thomas Embiid and Christine Embiid. Both are from Cameroon, where they raised Joel and his younger siblings in Yaoundé.

His father had a career in the military and was an accomplished handball player, while his mother focused on raising their children.

The family placed considerable importance on education, discipline, and personal responsibility.

Although Embiid eventually became an international basketball star, his parents initially imagined a different professional future for him.

Joel Embiid’s Father: Thomas Embiid

Thomas Embiid is Joel Embiid’s father, a former Cameroonian military officer and handball player.

According to a January 2017 feature published by Philadelphia Magazine, Thomas served as a colonel in Cameroon’s army.

He also competed in handball, a physically demanding team sport that requires strength, coordination, and endurance.

His sporting background influenced Joel’s childhood, particularly because the future NBA player initially participated in soccer and volleyball rather than basketball.

Growing up, Embiid admired his father’s athleticism and discipline.

In a 2021 interview published by the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid described Thomas as a highly competitive handball player who was widely respected for his physical strength and sporting ability.

However, Thomas was initially hesitant about his son’s interest in pursuing basketball professionally.

Because basketball was less familiar to him than handball and other sports, he was uncertain whether it offered a realistic career opportunity.

Embiid eventually received encouragement from former NBA player Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who discovered his basketball potential during a camp in Cameroon.

With that support, Thomas and Christine allowed their teenage son to move to the United States to continue his education and develop his basketball skills.

The decision would eventually transform his life.

Thomas has maintained a relatively private public profile, although he has attended important family occasions and visited his son in the United States.

During a visit to Philadelphia in 2021, Thomas and Christine spent time with their grandson Arthur.

Embiid later explained that seeing his traditionally serious father smile and enjoy spending time with Arthur revealed a different side of his personality.

The experience illustrated how becoming a grandfather had added another dimension to Thomas’s relationship with his family.

Joel Embiid’s Mother: Christine Embiid

Christine Embiid is Joel Embiid’s mother and one of the most important figures in his personal life.

She raised Joel and his younger siblings, Muriel and Arthur, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

According to Philadelphia Magazine, Christine primarily cared for the children while Thomas pursued his military career.

Her responsibilities included overseeing their upbringing and supporting their educational and personal development.

When Joel developed an interest in basketball, Christine was among the family members who eventually supported his decision to move overseas.

Although the separation was difficult, she understood that the move offered him an opportunity to pursue his ambitions.

Unfortunately, the family experienced a devastating tragedy in October 2014, when Joel’s younger brother Arthur died in a road accident in Cameroon.

Christine was deeply affected by the loss of her youngest son.

In a December 2020 feature published by the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel discussed the lasting emotional impact of Arthur’s death on his mother.

He explained that naming his own son Arthur was partly intended to honor his brother and bring comfort to Christine.

Although the birth of her grandson could not erase the family’s loss, Embiid hoped that the child’s presence would bring renewed happiness to his mother.

Christine and Thomas subsequently visited Philadelphia to spend time with their grandson.

In a 2021 ESPN interview, Embiid described how meaningful those visits were, especially because they allowed his parents to connect with the next generation of the family.

Christine has generally remained outside the media spotlight, but her influence on Embiid’s upbringing and his commitment to his family is an important part of his story.

Does Joel Embiid Have Siblings?

Yes. Joel Embiid has two younger siblings: a sister named Muriel Embiid and a brother named Arthur Embiid.

Joel is the eldest of the three children born to Thomas and Christine Embiid.

The siblings grew up together in Cameroon, where they spent their childhood surrounded by relatives, friends, and their local community.

Sadly, Arthur died in 2014 at the age of 13, leaving Joel and Muriel as the surviving siblings.

Muriel Embiid – Joel Embiid’s Younger Sister

Muriel Embiid is Joel Embiid’s younger sister.

She grew up alongside Joel and their younger brother Arthur in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Muriel is identified in her brother’s official NBA biography and in several profiles covering his childhood and family background.

Unlike Joel, who has spent much of his adult life in the international spotlight, Muriel has generally maintained a private life.

As a result, reliable public information about her age, education, occupation, and personal relationships remains limited.

Nevertheless, Muriel is an important member of the Embiid family, particularly given the experiences the siblings shared growing up in Cameroon and the loss of their younger brother.

Joel has generally respected his sister’s privacy, and she has not been extensively featured in interviews about his professional basketball career.

Arthur Embiid – Joel Embiid’s Late Younger Brother

Arthur Embiid was Joel Embiid’s younger brother, who tragically died on October 16, 2014, in Cameroon.

Arthur was just 13 years old when he lost his life in a road accident.

His death occurred only a few months after the Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

At the time, Joel was recovering from a foot injury and preparing for the beginning of his professional basketball career.

The unexpected news devastated him and his family.

According to reporting by ESPN and the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid seriously considered abandoning basketball because he struggled to understand how to continue pursuing his dreams after losing his younger brother.

The tragedy was especially difficult because Joel had moved away from Cameroon several years earlier and had not spent much time with Arthur during his final years.

In a 2021 ESPN interview, Embiid remembered Arthur as a generous child who frequently gave food, clothing, and other household items to disadvantaged people in their neighborhood.

Although Arthur was young, he demonstrated compassion for others and an interest in helping people who had fewer resources.

Those memories became an important source of inspiration for Joel.

Rather than allowing his brother’s death to end his basketball career, Embiid eventually decided to honor Arthur through his achievements and charitable activities.

How Joel Embiid Honors His Late Brother Arthur

Joel Embiid has honored his younger brother in several meaningful ways.

One of the most personal tributes was naming his son Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid in September 2020.

He has also supported charitable organizations and community initiatives dedicated to helping disadvantaged children.

In 2016, Embiid and his family established the Arthur Embiid & Angels Foundation, an organization created in memory of Arthur.

The foundation focused on supporting vulnerable children in Cameroon, including initiatives designed to improve access to basic resources, education, and opportunities.

In November 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers announced a fundraising partnership involving the foundation, UNICEF USA, and the National Basketball Players Association.

The initiative was intended to support disadvantaged children in Cameroon while preserving Arthur’s legacy.

Embiid also helped renovate a basketball court at a Boys & Girls Club in Northeast Philadelphia, dedicating the facility to his late brother.

In October 2022, he launched another charitable initiative called In Memory of Arthur.

Through the program, Embiid and his team announced grants totaling $1 million for nonprofit organizations working with underserved communities in Philadelphia.

The initiative reflected his desire to transform the pain of losing his brother into meaningful support for other children and families.

Arthur’s memory continues to influence Embiid’s approach to fatherhood, community service, and professional basketball.

How Joel Embiid’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career

Joel Embiid’s development into an NBA superstar was shaped by the values and experiences of his family in Cameroon.

His father’s military career emphasized discipline and determination, while his mother’s involvement in raising the children provided stability and guidance.

As a teenager, Embiid initially preferred soccer and volleyball before becoming interested in basketball.

He began seriously learning the sport around the age of 15 or 16, later attracting the attention of former NBA player Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

With encouragement from his family, Embiid moved to the United States and eventually enrolled at The Rock School in Gainesville, Florida.

His performances helped him earn a basketball scholarship to the University of Kansas.

After one college season, he entered the 2014 NBA Draft and was selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, his early professional career was interrupted by foot injuries and the emotional impact of his younger brother’s death.

With continued encouragement from his family, he gradually overcame those setbacks and developed into one of the NBA’s leading players.

His achievements included multiple NBA All-Star selections, two NBA scoring titles, and the 2023 Most Valuable Player award.

In 2024, he also won an Olympic gold medal representing the United States at the Paris Games.

Alongside his professional success, his marriage to Anne de Paula and the birth of their son gave him new motivation.

Embiid has repeatedly explained that fatherhood changed the way he approaches basketball, encouraging him to remain focused on his long-term health, responsibilities, and personal example.

His family continues to be an important part of his identity, connecting his childhood in Cameroon with his life as a husband, father, and professional athlete in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joel Embiid’s Family

Who is Joel Embiid’s wife?

Joel Embiid’s wife is Anne de Paula, a Brazilian professional model known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. They married on July 22, 2023.

Is Joel Embiid married?

Yes. Joel Embiid married Anne de Paula in Southampton, New York, on July 22, 2023.

How did Joel Embiid meet his wife?

Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula met through a mutual friend during a dinner in New York City in 2018. Their relationship began as a friendship before becoming romantic.

How many children does Joel Embiid have?

Joel Embiid has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, born in September 2020.

Who is Joel Embiid’s son?

His son is Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, born on September 17, 2020. He was named after Joel’s younger brother Arthur, who died in 2014.

Does Joel Embiid have a daughter?

As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Joel Embiid has a daughter. His only publicly confirmed child is his son Arthur.

Who is Joel Embiid’s father?

His father is Thomas Embiid, a former Cameroonian military officer and handball player.

Who is Joel Embiid’s mother?

His mother is Christine Embiid, who raised Joel and his two younger siblings in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

How many siblings does Joel Embiid have?

Joel Embiid has two younger siblings: a sister named Muriel and a brother named Arthur, who died in October 2014.

What happened to Joel Embiid’s brother?

His younger brother Arthur Embiid died in a road accident in Cameroon on October 16, 2014, at the age of 13.

Who is Joel Embiid’s sister?

Joel Embiid’s younger sister is Muriel Embiid. She has maintained a private life, and relatively little information about her personal background is publicly available.

Where is Joel Embiid’s family from?

Joel Embiid’s parents and siblings are from Yaoundé, Cameroon. His wife, Anne de Paula, is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What is Joel Embiid’s full name?

His full name is Joel Hans Embiid. He was born on March 16, 1994, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Conclusion

Joel Embiid’s family has played a fundamental role in his journey from a young athlete in Cameroon to an NBA superstar. His parents, Thomas and Christine Embiid, supported his development and helped him pursue basketball opportunities in the United States, while his younger siblings, Muriel and Arthur, formed an important part of his childhood.

The tragic death of his brother Arthur in 2014 remains one of the most significant experiences of Embiid’s life. He has continued honoring his brother through charitable initiatives and by giving his name to his son.

Joel Embiid is married to Brazilian model Anne de Paula, whom he met in 2018 and married in July 2023. Together, they have a son named Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid. As of now, Arthur is the couple’s only publicly confirmed child, and Embiid continues to emphasize the importance of his family in his personal and professional life.