Joel Embiid’s Wife
Joel Embiid, the talented center for the Philadelphia 76ers, embraces “The Process” not only on the basketball court but also in his relationship with his girlfriend, Anne de Paula. Their journey began in 2018 when they were introduced by a mutual friend at a dinner in New York City. Initially, they developed a strong friendship, spending countless hours FaceTiming each other before eventually deciding to pursue a romantic relationship.
The couple’s love story reached a new milestone in September 2020 when they welcomed their first child, a son named Arthur Elijah. In an interview with ESPN in 2021, de Paula expressed her admiration for Embiid’s motivation and inspiring personality, stating, “He just has this personality where he wants to motivate you. His friends, his family, and now with Arthur — he pushes all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. That’s the type of person you want to have around.”
Embiid, too, acknowledges the positive influence de Paula has had on his life. On Valentine’s Day in 2019, he shared an affectionate message on Instagram alongside a photo of them wearing matching white hoodies with “lovers” printed on the sleeve. In his heartfelt caption, he thanked de Paula for accepting him and allowing him to be himself, emphasizing the trust they have in each other and how it has led them to where they are today.
Now, let’s delve into the details about Anne de Paula, Joel Embiid’s remarkable girlfriend, to discover more about this captivating individual.
Also Read : The Power of Love : How Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wife Became His Greatest Supporter
Origins and Background:
Anne de Paula was born on March 31, 1995, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up near the beach, she enjoyed the perpetual warmth of her surroundings and the freedom of dressing casually, as she revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2018. Her mother works as an X-ray technician, while her father is a doctor. Before embarking on her successful modeling career, de Paula initially contemplated following in her parents’ footsteps within the medical field.
During her upbringing, de Paula’s love for soccer blossomed, leading her to become a goalkeeper for approximately six years. She described the sport as her ultimate passion, expressing her continued dedication to it. However, due to the nature of her modeling profession, she had to temporarily set aside playing soccer. Nevertheless, she expressed her desire to return to the sport if given the opportunity, as she revealed in a 2018 interview with Fox News.
Modeling Career:
Anne de Paula gained recognition as a model through her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Her journey with the renowned publication began in 2017 when she participated in the model search, ultimately winning the fan vote and earning the title of SI Swimsuit rookie in 2018. Over the years, de Paula has been featured in the annual issue four times, posing for captivating photo shoots in stunning locations such as Anguilla, Nevis, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic.
One of her most memorable moments was during the 2019 shoot in Kenya, where she found herself photographed in close proximity to a real lion. Expressing her exhilaration and fear in an Instagram post, she wrote, “What a crazy/scary/amazing experience. I was freaking out inside, even though it took @yutsai88 only 2 minutes to capture this picture.”
It was de Paula’s mother who encouraged her to explore the world of modeling. Her first photo shoot took place around the age of 12, and by the time she turned 14, she had signed her first modeling contract. Reflecting on her journey, de Paula shared with Fox News that she embraced modeling as it allowed her to embrace her feminine side, which she felt had been overlooked during her school years. Apart
from her modeling pursuits, de Paula aspires to improve her family’s quality of life and eventually establish her own business, making her loved ones happy through her success.
Multilingualism:
As de Paula and Embiid bonded, they discovered various shared interests, including their fluency in French and their mutual passion for soccer. Moreover, both individuals left their home countries as teenagers to pursue their dreams. Embiid, originally from Cameroon, launched his basketball career in the United States while playing for the Kansas Jayhawks. In addition to French, de Paula is proficient in English and Portuguese, showcasing her linguistic versatility.
Also Read : From Rags to Riches : The Astonishing Net Worth of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Muay Thai and Other Interests:
Apart from her modeling endeavors, Anne de Paula actively practices Muay Thai, a combat sport originating from Thailand. With a touch of humor, she playfully claimed that she could hold her own in a fight, stating, “I can kick your a– because I do Muay Thai. I may look fragile, but I’m definitely not.” She began practicing Muay Thai during her teenage years and continued her training three times a week as of 2017.
In contrast to her combat sport pursuits, de Paula finds solace in her quieter passion for cooking. She particularly enjoys preparing truffle pasta, highlighting her love for exploring various recipes and spending her leisure time at home. Despite her professional commitments, she embraces her downtime, cherishing the opportunity to unwind and indulge in her culinary interests.
Tattoos and Personal Symbolism:
Anne de Paula adorns her body with two meaningful tattoos. On the inside of her left wrist, she bears the word “blessed,” a significant reminder of the importance of gratitude and appreciation in her life. Additionally, she has a tattoo that reads “endless,” symbolizing the timeless nature of her personal journey and experiences. During her interview with Sports Illustrated in 2017, she emphasized the significance of the “blessed” tattoo, illustrating its profound impact on her life.
Parenthood and Family Bonds:
In September 2020, Anne de Paula and Joel Embiid celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son named Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid. The couple chose the name Arthur in honor of Embiid’s younger brother, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Cameroon at the age of 13. Sharing their joy with the world, Embiid expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future, acknowledging the profound shift fatherhood had brought to his life.
In subsequent interviews, de Paula revealed the close bond between Embiid and their son. When Embiid suffered a painful injury during a game against the Washington Wizards in March 2021, Arthur woke up crying around the same time his father got injured, as if sensing something was amiss. Describing their relationship as that of best friends, de Paula expressed the heartwarming connection between father and son, emphasizing the immense joy it brings her.
Unwavering Support for Embiid’s Career:
Anne de Paula’s unwavering support for Joel Embiid is evident in her public statements. When asked about her celebrity crush, she promptly declared that her true crush was her beloved partner. Additionally, her favorite athlete and sports team are undoubtedly Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. In a display of her devotion, de Paula comforted a visibly emotional Embiid following the 76ers’ loss to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA playoffs, even wiping away his tears and offering him a comforting embrace, as reported by USA Today.
In summary, Anne de Paula is a captivating individual who has captured the heart of NBA star Joel Embiid. Hailing from Brazil, she embarked on a successful modeling career and made her mark in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Fluent in multiple languages, she shares a
love for French and soccer with Embiid. Beyond her professional achievements, she finds fulfillment in Muay Thai, cooking, and her tattoos that carry personal significance. Moreover, de Paula embraces her role as a mother to their son Arthur and wholeheartedly supports Embiid’s basketball career. Together, they form a dynamic and inspiring couple, continuously motivating each other to reach new heights in both their personal and professional lives.
