Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid might be focused on bringing a championship to the City of Brotherly Love, but his wife, Anne de Paula, is stealing the spotlight this offseason with a stunning throwback swimsuit photo that has NBA fans doing a double take.
De Paula, a Brazilian-born model who first burst onto the scene in 2017 as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie, shared a nostalgic snap that instantly reignited the internet's fascination. The photo, which showcases her in a classic swimsuit, is a reminder of why she was voted Rookie of the Year and invited back for the iconic magazine's 2018 edition.
“It’s something I really wanted when I started modeling,” de Paula once said about her SI Swimsuit experience. “It’s amazing to finally say I’m able to be an SI model. When I started modeling, I would show people SI photos that I wanted to recreate on the beach in Rio. I wasn’t expecting it all.”
Her journey from Rio’s beaches to the pages of SI Swimsuit is a story of ambition and grit. But the real twist came when she met Embiid through a mutual friend in 2018. Their connection quickly blossomed, and by 2020, they welcomed their first child, Arthur. Embiid has often credited fatherhood for elevating his game, even pointing to his son as the driving force behind his MVP-winning season in 2023.
“Honestly, he’s the main reason why I’m really here,” Embiid said. “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.”
Even though de Paula has stepped back from the constant glare of the modeling spotlight, she still knows how to captivate an audience. Her latest throwback photo is proof that her star power hasn’t dimmed—and NBA fans are all in. For more swimsuit moments that have taken the sports world by storm, check out Angel Reese's blue swimsuit vibes during the WNBA All-Star break, or see how Maria Sharapova stunned fans at 39 with a red-hot swimsuit photo.
Meanwhile, Embiid’s focus remains on the court. Since entering the NBA in 2014, the 7-foot center has averaged 27.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite. With the 76ers gearing up for a potential championship push—especially with rumors of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James heading to Philly for the 2026-27 season—the pressure is on Embiid to deliver a title. Another fan-favorite swimsuit moment came from Joy Taylor's summer swimsuit photos, proving that sports and style often collide.
For Embiid, a championship would not only solidify his legacy but also give de Paula and their family a reason to celebrate even more. Until then, fans will keep watching both his game-winning plays and his wife’s show-stopping social media posts.
