NBA Superstar Joel Embiid Ties the Knot with Brazilian Model Anne de Paula
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has officially married his longtime girlfriend, Brazilian model Anne de Paula, in a spectacular ceremony that took place in Southampton, New York, on July 22, 2023. The wedding marks a significant personal milestone for the NBA All-Star, whose professional success continues to soar alongside his personal life.
A Union Forged Through Friendship
The couple's journey began in 2018 when they were introduced by a mutual acquaintance at a dinner in New York City. Interestingly, their initial connection was purely platonic. "He met de Paula when he wasn't looking for anyone," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported. "They just happened to attend the same dinner... As she remembers it, neither of them really said much during dinner." In fact, de Paula was unaware of Embiid's basketball fame until he stood up at the end of the meal, revealing his impressive height.
Their friendship blossomed through daily FaceTime calls before evolving into a romantic relationship. After dating for several years, the pair secretly married, culminating in their lavish public wedding celebration this summer.
Anne de Paula: From Soccer Fields to Fashion Runways
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Anne de Paula has carved an impressive path in the modeling world. Despite a childhood passion for soccer where she played as a goalkeeper for approximately six years, she ultimately pursued modeling full-time. Her breakthrough came through the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she made her debut in 2018 after winning the fan vote in the 2017 model search.
De Paula's diverse background includes:
- Fluent command of English, Portuguese, and French
- Parents in the medical field (her father is a doctor, mother an X-ray technician)
- Practicing Roman Catholic faith
- Passion for Muay Thai martial arts and cooking
- Multiple international shoots for Sports Illustrated in Kenya, Anguilla, Nevis, and the Dominican Republic
Building a Family and Future Together
The couple welcomed their first child, son Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, on September 17, 2020. Their wedding ceremony featured traditional vows in a chapel followed by a reception where the bride changed into two different outfits for performances by Brian McKnight and Meek Mill.
Embiid's recent professional achievements further solidify the family's future. The NBA star recently signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, adding to his estimated $85 million net worth. This financial security comes at an ideal time as the couple embarks on their married life together.
"Their friendship was the beginning of their love," de Paula told ESPN in 2021, reflecting on their unconventional path to romance. What began as a chance encounter has now blossomed into a complete family unit, with the couple celebrating their union surrounded by friends, family, and the trappings of professional success.
