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Updated Oct 14, 2024What We Know About Joel Embiid's Wife and Their Story Together
The NBA star is married to Brazilian model, Anne de Paula.
Photo: @joelembiid | Instagram
Joel Embiid, the towering Philadelphia 76ers superstar, is celebrated for his prowess on the court. He didn't start playing basketball until age 15, but his athleticism and work ethic propelled him through college and into the NBA. While his career is widely praised, his family life seems just as fulfilling. Joel Embiid's wife, Brazilian model Anne de Paula, first met the NBA player in 2018. After several years together, the couple quietly tied the knot in September 2023. They share a young son, Arthur.
Though Embiid and de Paula keep much of their love life private, here's what we know about their journey together so far. Read on to learn about how they first met and the milestones they've reached as a couple.
- Joel Embiid is married to Anne de Paula. They've been together since 2018.
- Anne de Paula is a model known for her work with the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
- Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula met in 2018 through a mutual friend in New York City.
- Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula share a child together: Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid.
In this article:
- Who is Joel Embiid's Wife, Anne de Paula?
- How Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula Met
- Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula's Relationship Timeline
- Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula's Children
Who is Joel Embiid's Wife, Anne de Paula?
Anne de Paula, originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a model best known for her work in Sports Illustrated. Growing up, de Paula was passionate about soccer but eventually quit so she could seriously pursue modeling.
"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," she said in a 2018 interview with SI. "Because I started modeling at 13, I had to stop. How can I have pretty hands and still play soccer? It's been a while since I played. But if I had a couple weeks off, I would start again."
According to a story by People, this NBA wife can speak three languages; English, French and Portuguese. She practices Muay Thai and has a passion for cooking, too.
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Prior to dating Embiid, de Paula was in a four-year relationship with Danny O'Donoghue, whom she met on set for The Script's 2014 music video for "No Good in Goodbye."
How Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula Met
Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula's love story began in 2018 when they met through a mutual friend in New York City. "It started off as a beautiful friendship," de Paula told ESPN. They both loved soccer, spoke French and wanted to start a family someday. "We FaceTimed every day for a while," she said. "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."
Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula's Relationship Timeline
2018: Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula first meet
Joel and Anne met in 2018, sparking a friendship that eventually grew into a romantic relationship. They initially kept things low-key, getting to know each other out of the public eye.
September 2020: Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula welcome a son
The famous couple welcomed their son, Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, on September 17, 2020. Joel shared his joy publicly with an Instagram post, expressing his commitment to being a devoted father.
"We are so blessed and fortunate to welcome our little boy in this family. First of 11 or more? Trying to convince her but I'm not winning so far," Embiid wrote in his caption. "I'm just trying to build a soccer team but for real I'm so excited for the future and my life has a new meaning. Kudos to @annedepaula_ for being so strong and giving me the Greatest Gift our life can offer."
"I want [Arthur] to see me at my best, just like I saw my dad," Embiid said in an interview with ESPN. "I want him to see his dad as the best player in the world."
May 2023: Joel Embiid is celebrated as the season's Most Valuable Player
When giving his speech after receiving his MVP award in 2023, his then 2-year-old son joined him on the court—bringing Embiid to tears in front of the crowd.
"Honestly, he's the main reason why I'm really here," Embiid explained emotionally. "Becoming a father changed my whole life and I just wanted to show him a good example, and I'm glad he is here with us. My fiancée is a big part of it, too."
July 2023: Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula are married
Like WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike, the couple kept their nuptials under tight wraps. While the exact details of their wedding day have not been widely shared, a story in People states that the couple got married in Southampton, New York on July 22, 2023.
The pair exchanged vows in a church before heading to their reception venue. Apparently, like many NBA weddings (including Steph Curry's wedding), Embiid and de Paula's big day was ultra-luxe. The bride had two outfit changes and the evening featured performances by Meek Mill and Brian McKnight.
Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula's Children
Embiid and de Paula share one son, Arthur Elijah de Paula Embiid, who was born on September 17, 2020. Based on appearances on the basketball court and on the couple's occasional social media posts, it's clear that Arthur's arrival has brought immense joy and meaning to their lives.
They named their son after Embiid's younger brother, Arthur, who was killed in a car crash in Cameroon soon after Embiid was drafted in 2014. "What I remember from him the most was how great of a person he was, even at his age," Embiid said in a cover story with ESPN. "He used to take stuff from the house and go help people around the neighborhood. People that didn't have anything. …So when I found out [de Paula was having a boy], I just knew his first name was going to be Arthur."
