Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and the reigning NBA MVP, recently revealed his deep love for soccer, expressing that he would rather be a football player than a basketball player. Despite his dominant presence on the basketball court, Embiid shared his childhood dreams of becoming a professional soccer or volleyball player, with basketball eventually becoming his primary focus.
“I watch football because I love it, and I grew up watching it, and I grew up loving it. I think I also love football because it’s a dream that I was never able to accomplish. I want to feel what it’s like, I want to be a part of it.”
“I know a lot of those guys, football players. I’d rather be a football player than a basketball player, that’s how much I love football.” (23:28)
In an interview with Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers, Embiid explained his profound admiration for soccer, citing it as his first love. Growing up in Cameroon, a nation with a rich soccer culture, Embiid reminisced about the joy and unity he experienced during soccer matches. He specifically mentioned Cameroon’s achievements, including African titles in 2000 and 2002 and an Olympic gold medal in Sydney in 2000, during his formative years.
Embiid expressed his preference for soccer over basketball, emphasizing the global significance of the sport and the essential role of teamwork in achieving success. He highlighted the difference in dynamics between basketball and soccer, stating that while basketball can be won with two good players, soccer requires an entire team working in sync.
The NBA superstar, known for his towering height at seven feet, revealed that his size played a role in shaping his soccer aspirations. He described himself as a “bully” on the soccer field, using his physical presence to intimidate opponents. Despite his desire to be a striker, he acknowledged that his height limited him in certain positions, ultimately leading him to play in the middle, where he enjoyed controlling the game and making passes.
Embiid, a passionate fan of Real Madrid, expressed his continued love for soccer, even though his professional career unfolded in basketball. He acknowledged that, in an alternate universe where he was a couple of feet shorter, he might have pursued a career as a professional soccer player.
While Embiid’s dreams of becoming a soccer player may not have materialized, his basketball career has been nothing short of stellar. As the face of the Philadelphia 76ers, he has achieved multiple accolades, including two scoring titles, eight All-NBA selections, and the prestigious NBA MVP award in 2023. Despite his basketball success, Embiid remains unwavering in his passion for soccer, watching the sport with love and longing for the dream he was never able to fulfill.
Joel Embiid Suffers Knee Injury Against Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers‘ star center Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury during a game against the Golden State Warriors, raising concerns for the team and its playoff aspirations. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Warriors’ forward Jonathan Kuminga landed on Embiid’s knee after a collision.
After the game, head coach Nick Nurse informed reporters that Embiid would undergo an MRI on his knee to assess the extent of the injury. Nurse clarified that the injury was unrelated to Embiid’s recent knee issues, which had caused him to miss several games earlier in the season.
Embiid had already missed 12 games during the current season, primarily due to left knee soreness. His absence significantly impacted the team’s performance, with the 76ers holding a 3-9 record in games where the reigning NBA MVP was not in the lineup.
The star center’s health has been a concern throughout the season, with various injuries, including an ankle sprain and ongoing issues with his left knee. Despite these challenges, Embiid has been a dominant force when on the court, leading the league in scoring with an average of 36.0 points per game, along with impressive statistics in rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
Backup center Paul Reed has stepped in during Embiid’s absences, delivering productive performances. However, the Sixers are undoubtedly hoping for Embiid’s swift recovery, considering the impact of his absence on the team’s overall performance.
The MRI will provide crucial information about the severity of Embiid’s knee injury and the potential timeline for his return. The Sixers, currently on a four-game losing streak, face the challenge of maintaining their position in the Eastern Conference without their star player. The team’s cautious approach to Embiid’s health is evident, as they aim to have him in optimal condition for the upcoming playoff run.
The injury also brings the risk of sidelining Embiid from the MVP conversation, impacting the individual accolades he could achieve this season. As the team awaits the MRI results, uncertainty looms over Embiid’s immediate future, and the Sixers face the challenge of navigating the remainder of the season without their primary star.
“Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support”
