It is not every day that a basketball legend is present at a football final, or if you would call it soccer, and cheers from the VIP stands. But Pau Gasol? He always has surprises both on and off the court. The tall Spanish star, known for his time with the Lakers and his strong connection to European basketball, has stayed close to his home country. Just when fans thought his Hall of Fame induction last week would be the biggest moment of the year… something else happened. This time it was not basketball that caught his attention, but soccer.
Pau showed up at the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona Femení and Arsenal Women’s. It was a big match with a lot of talent and history. Pau Gasol started and ended his basketball career with Barcelona in the Barca Basquet team. So he felt at home (although in Lisbon) supporting his old club. But even with him there, things did not go well for Barcelona Femení. But that didn’t stop the Laker legend from sharing his views.
Barcelona Femení, who are seen as one of the best teams in women’s football, could not defend their European title. Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius scored in the 74th minute to make it 1-0. That goal was enough to decide the match. Pau Gasol watched from the VIP section and even joined the halftime show as a special guest. He shared the experience online. In his post he wrote “Felicitats per la gran temporada @fcbfemeni! Ayer no salió el mejor partido y hay que felicitar al @arsenalwfc por la victoria” which means “Congratulations on a great season @fcbfemeni! It wasn’t the best match yesterday, and we have to congratulate @arsenalwfc for the victory.”
It was a classy move by Pau Gasol. He gave respect to both teams. His post was simple, but full of grace. He thanked his team for their effort and gave credit to Arsenal for the win. It showed how sports can bring people together, even if they are from different games and countries. Pau did not just come to watch. He came to support the franchise where it all started.
This was very different from how he felt during Spain’s Women’s World Cup win in 2023. Back then, Pau was full of joy when Spain beat England. He proudly posted “Campeonas del mundo” which means “World Champions” as Spain won the trophy for the first time after defeating the English side. That was a moment of national pride, and Pau Gasol was cheering with pure happiness.
Pau Gasol praised Liga F for improving lives of female athletes
Barcelona is not just any club for Pau, it is family. He began his pro career with Barca Basquet in 1998 and came back in 2021 to retire wearing the same jersey. Seeing them lose in such an important final, especially to an English team, must have felt different. Especially since just two years ago, Spain beat England in the biggest match of all.
Pau Gasol has always been invested in his Spanish club and its development. Back in January, when the Women’s football division of the Catalun club inked a labour agreement, Pau was one of the first people to praise the agreement and how it would change the football landscape in Women’s football. This agreement promised better working conditions and supported the female athletes in every way possible. This includes maternity leave, mental health resources, scholarships, and work-life balance initiatives.
“I celebrate this great step for women’s sport and equality. Improvements such as maternity, conciliation, mental health, scholarships, and entrepreneurship mark an essential advance. Congratulations to those who have made it possible!” He said on X as she shared his thoughts on this big initiative taken by Liga F. And the center of all these was Barca Femina! Barcelona Femení has been amazing in recent years. They won titles back to back and ruled in Europe, and gave performances full of stars. And each time, Pau Gasol has been vocal about the club he loves.
Basketball – Pau Gasol Press Conference – Theatre Liceu, Barcelona, Spain – October 5, 2021 Pau Gasol during the press conference REUTERS/Albert Gea
So even though Pau Gasol had a big reason to smile during his Hall of Fame month, this was not the kind of ending he had hoped for. It felt both happy and sad. One team lifted the trophy, the other left with pride but heavy hearts. And Pau stood in the middle clapping for both.
The post After Hall of Fame Tears, Pau Gasol Applauds UEFA Rival as Hometown Team Fails to Recreate 2YO History appeared first on EssentiallySports.