You've seen Antoine Griezmann balling out this summer on the basketball court, now the cross-sport challenge has gone the other way as Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid showed what he can do with the ball at his feet while visiting his home of Cameroon.
Embiid was not exactly a majestic presence as he lurched around the field, but you can be sure he came up clutch. The big man showed a deft touch to provide an assist and then inserted himself in a skirmish to toe poke the ball home for a goal. No shame to the opposing squad, hard to defend a guy who is 7 feet tall and 250 pounds.
Joel Embiid is playing soccer in a Paul Pogba jersey with a group of teenagers in Africa.
A true king. pic.twitter.com/tdZOoezjko— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) August 13, 2018
Joel Embiid playing SOCCER in Africa @joelembiid pic.twitter.com/JeccljklaT
— Overtime (@overtime) August 12, 2018
While Embiid looked to be a fish out of water at times, his goal celebration is that of a natural. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the event was the NBA All-Star’s acrobatic attempt on goal (followed by a pretty standard "tall guy tackle").
Joel Embiid attempting a bicycle kick pic.twitter.com/Q5tJ0ER9qg
— The Render (@TheRenderNBA) August 12, 2018
Oof. Anyone see the ground shake a bit? Thankfully it doesn’t look as if anyone was hurt. The Philadelphia team certainly cannot afford more injuries heading into the season, so 76ers fans will be hoping Embiid working on a bicycle kick is a one-time only effort rather than a process they have to trust. Messing around while playing soccer with local kids is the kind of thing we’ve come to expect and love about JoJo though. Never change!