When Barcelona’s Mayor, Jaume Collboni, called Pau Gasol “the greatest ambassador of basketball from Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, and Europe,” he wasn’t exaggerating. Gasol’s impact on the sport extends far beyond his NBA legacy. While many fans know him for his championships with the Lakers and his finesse on American courts, his roots—and many of his early glories—trace back to Spain. As a vital part of FC Barcelona’s squad, he celebrated three ACB League titles and lifted two Copa del Rey trophies during his two stints with the team. His influence wasn’t limited to club-level basketball either—Gasol led Spain’s national team to a World Championship in 2006, collected three Olympic medals, and claimed the EuroBasket title on three separate occasions. So, when the city of Barcelona chose to honor him in a grand way, it felt entirely fitting.
This week, a truly special ceremony unfolded at the iconic Saló de Cent inside Barcelona’s City Hall. Pau Gasol was awarded the distinguished Gold Medal for Sports Merit, handed to him personally by Mayor Collboni. Also present was the city’s Sports Councillor, David Escudé, as the city paid tribute to one of its most celebrated sports figures. Collboni made a heartfelt remark during his speech, saying, “Barcelona is the best city in the world, in part due to individuals like Pau.” That sentiment clearly struck a chord. Not just with the audience, but with Gasol himself.
The basketball legend later took to X to express what the moment meant to him. “Yesterday I had the honor of receiving the Gold Medal for Sports Merit from @bcn_ajuntament. I would like to sincerely thank the mayor @jaumecollboni and all the political groups in the City Council for this distinction that made it possible.”
But it wasn’t just the award or the speeches from city leaders that touched him. Gasol mentioned two people who made the day even more special—respected journalist Jordi Robirosa and his former FC Barcelona coach, Joan Montes. And then, in a moment that resonated with many, he added, “And, very especially, those of my father, who remembered those first moments playing basketball at my grandparents’ house, when my siblings and I were still just children with a ball and a lot of enthusiasm. I feel lucky for everything I have experienced thanks to sport… Barcelona is my home, and always will be.”
Jan 27, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers former player Pau Gasol stands courtside before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Long before he became a two-time NBA champion, it was under Joan Montes’ guidance that Pau Gasol took his first big steps. He made his ACB League debut on January 17, 1999, and joined the first team full-time the following season. Even his real breakthrough came during the 2000-01 playoffs and the Copa del Rey in Malaga—a turning point that set the stage for everything that followed. No wonder he could not resist but remember his former coach, Joan Montes, in his social media tribute. Now, let’s not forget all the aforementioned figures had already praised the former Los Angeles Lakers star.
Pau Gasol’s social media post comes in response to the love bestowed on him during the medal ceremony
The event took place in the majestic Saló de Cent at Barcelona City Hall. A setting that felt straight out of a storybook. Sitting in the front row were the people who’ve walked every step of his journey with him—his proud parents, his wife, and their children, all sharing in a golden moment that was decades in the making. Gasol took a moment to rewind the clock, revisiting his early days in the sport. He didn’t just talk about personal milestones—he emphasized the lasting value of youth sports.
And as he stood there, honored, he expressed genuine pride in becoming the second Spaniard, and notably the first Catalan, to leave such a lasting legacy in the NBA. Then came a deeply touching moment—his father, Agusti Gasol, stepped forward. He spoke not just as a parent, but as a witness to Pau’s evolution. With heartfelt sincerity, he remembered the unwavering support of Pau’s grandparents and praised Pau’s mother as “the driving force that helped the family adjust when they embarked on their Memphis adventure in the USA.”
Adding to the heartfelt atmosphere, the ceremony was gracefully led by Jordi Robirosa. A seasoned sports journalist and a friend close enough to be family. His voice carried nostalgia as he recalled defining memories. Especially that unforgettable NBA All-Star jump ball between Pau and his brother Marc.
Then the ceremony reached its emotional peak with a tribute from Joan Montes, who coached Pau in his early FC Barcelona days. With a blend of admiration and gratitude, he summed it up best: “Basketball owes him everything he has done for the sport.” Having received such love and honor during the ceremony, it was only a matter of time before Pau Gasol reciprocated.
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