Many people wonder why French fans booed Joel Embiid during his match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The intense and vocal reaction from French fans has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the reasons behind their disapproval and the events that led to such a response.
Here’s an in-depth look at why French fans expressed their displeasure, Joel Embiid’s response.
Why was Joel Embiid booed during his match at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
During his match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Joel Embiid faced boos from the crowd. He opted to play for Team USA rather than Team France, disappointing French fans. This was especially notable because he had previously expressed interest in representing France and had acquired French citizenship in 2022.
Embiid chose to play for the USA Basketball team because he felt familiar and comfortable with the American team, where he has known many players for years. Although he received French citizenship, he felt more at ease with Team USA.
French basketball fans voiced their displeasure with loud boos whenever Embiid touched the ball, as reported by ABC News. Despite this, Embiid interpreted the boos as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of his skills. He noted that such reactions are typical for top-level players.
Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and plays for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, explained that his comfort level with Team USA was a significant factor in his decision. Despite the boos, he embraced the lively atmosphere, interacting with the crowd and remaining unfazed by the negative reactions.
While Joel Embiid faced a hostile reception from French fans at the Paris Olympics due to his decision to play for the USA basketball team, he kept a positive outlook. He interpreted the boos as a form of respect and continued to perform at a high level on the court.
