WATCH: Joel Embiid receiving Cameroon’s prestigious ‘Order of Valor’

After Team USA won the Olympic gold medal with Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers centre was awarded the Medal of Commander of the Order of Valor from his native Cameroon. Embiid received the award from Cameroon's president, Paul Biya, which is reserved for individuals who have made "exceptional contributions to commerce, agriculture, or industry."

He has reached significant milestones throughout his career, including seven All-Star appearances and the NBA MVP award in 2022-23. A seven-time playoff appearance and two league-scoring titles were also among his accomplishments. Joel Embiid had the option of playing for Cameroon, the United States, or France, but he finally chose to join Team USA.

Watch the video here:

Joel Embiid has received his Order of Valor from the president of Cameroon 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/Z3xOz0pHIB

— MVBIID (@EmbiidsEra) August 14, 2024

During the Paris Olympics 2024, USA were undefeated as they won the gold medal by defeating France by the score of 98-87. According to reports after winning the gold medal with USA Joel Embiid will play for his national team Cameroon at LA Olympics 2028. According to Pink Villa, "It's been a good experience. It’s been a grind, being away from home and family for a few weeks. But the group of guys we have made it easy. Paris is a great city and the next one is LA. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon."

Joel Embiid chose to represent USA in the Olympics

Joel Embiid was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, and spent most of his life there before relocating to the United States at the age of sixteen to attend Montverde Academy in Florida. Embiid declined to play for Cameroon and France in favour of Team USA. He was even given a French passport by France, the country that would host the 2024 Olympics, with the expectation that he would compete for them against Team USA. 

Though Embiid did not perform to his normal standards during the tournament, averaging 11.2 points, he rose to the occasion in the semi-final against Serbia, when he outplayed his opponent Nikola Jokic in one of the most exciting international games.