From Basketball Court to Family Life: Joel Embiid's Journey with Anne de Paula
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is celebrated globally for his dominant presence on the basketball court. Remarkably, he only began playing the sport at age fifteen, yet his relentless work ethic and natural agility propelled him to stardom in college and the NBA. Beyond his athletic achievements, Embiid has embraced a fulfilling personal role as a devoted husband and father.
A Lavish Union: The Wedding of Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula
Embiid is married to Brazilian model Anne de Paula. The couple exchanged vows in a grand ceremony on July 22, 2023, in Southampton, New York. Their relationship traces back to 2018 when they first met at a dinner in New York City, introduced by a mutual friend. What began as a deep friendship, maintained through daily FaceTime calls, gradually blossomed into a romantic partnership. After several years of dating, they opted for a secret marriage before their public wedding celebration.
The wedding festivities were extravagant, featuring performances by musicians Meek Mill and Brian McKnight. The bride showcased her style by changing into two distinct outfits throughout the evening. The ceremony commenced in a chapel, followed by a reception at a separate venue, marking the official start of their married life together.
Anne de Paula: From Soccer Fields to International Modeling
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Anne de Paula has carved a notable path from a soccer-loving child to an internationally recognized Sports Illustrated model. As a youngster, she harbored a strong passion for soccer, playing as a goalkeeper for five to six years. She revealed in a 2018 interview with Sports Illustrated, "I was a goalkeeper for five or six years. That was everything I wanted to do. I started playing when I was 8, 9 years old."
However, her modeling career, which began at age thirteen, necessitated a shift in focus. She humorously noted the conflict, stating, "Because I started modeling at 13, I had to stop. How can I have pretty hands and still play soccer?" Despite stepping away from the sport, she maintains a very passionate interest in soccer and expressed willingness to return if given a few weeks off.
De Paula's family background is in medicine; her father is a physician, and her mother works as an X-ray technician. Initially, she anticipated following them into the healthcare industry, but her modeling success redirected her trajectory. Her breakthrough came after winning the public vote in the 2017 Sports Illustrated model hunt, leading to her debut as a SI Swimsuit rookie in 2018. She has since filmed for the magazine in exotic locations including Anguilla, Nevis, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic.
A Heartwarming Love Story and Growing Family
Reflecting on their relationship, de Paula shared with ESPN in 2021 that it "started off as a beautiful friendship." She emphasized Embiid's supportive nature, saying, "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 of ourselves." Interestingly, she was initially unaware of Embiid's basketball fame when they first met.
The couple's family expanded with the birth of their son, Arthur Elijah, in September 2020. Today, they cherish their roles as parents, forming a happy family of three. De Paula, a multilingual individual fluent in Portuguese, French, and English, also enjoys cooking and practices Muay Thai, showcasing a diverse set of interests beyond modeling.
Together, Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula exemplify a partnership built on friendship, mutual support, and shared values, balancing high-profile careers with a committed family life.
