The player from Philadelphia pledged to play for the French national team but opted for the USA

In 2021, Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid wrote an official letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by RMC Sport.

He informed the President of France that he would only play for the French national team. Embiid asked Macron to assist him in obtaining citizenship. By 2022, Joel received French citizenship. However, in October 2023, he decided to play for the US national team and was already included in the roster for the 2024 Olympic Games.

"After negotiations with the French Basketball Federation, my choice has already been made. I wanted to take steps to obtain French citizenship, thereby having the right to compete for the national team.

So I don't want to play for any other team. I have submitted the relevant documents to the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Affairs.

I have never worn the colors of any national team. It would be a great honor for me to join this French team for participation in the next major international competitions, especially in the 2024 Olympic Games," the letter published by RMC Sport stated.

Also read, the U.S. basketball team has finalized its roster of 12 players for the 2024 Olympic Games.