The USA basketball player received a state honor from Cameroon

U.S. basketball player Joel Embiid, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, has now been honored by Cameroon, according to TMZ.

Embiid visited Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who awarded him the Commander’s Medal of the Order of Merit—a distinction granted to Cameroonian nationals who have made an "exceptional contribution to the fields of arts, science, agriculture, commerce, or industry."

Joel expressed his gratitude to the president and all those present. Embiid is the third NBA player born in Cameroon, and was the highest-drafted basketball player in the 2014 NBA Draft.

In the men's tournament, the United States claimed victory, defeating their opponents 87-98 in the final and winning their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. In the women's tournament, the U.S. team also emerged victorious, narrowly beating France 66-67 to secure their eighth consecutive gold.

Notably, this Olympic gold became the sixth in the career of American basketball player Diana Taurasi, making her the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history.