- Magic Johnson was one of the 19 individuals who United States president Joe Biden awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour
- Lionel Messi, who is the most decorated footballer of all time, also received the award for supporting healthcare and education programs around the world
Former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. has added a prestigious award to his trophy cabinet – the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Johnson was one of the 19 individuals who United States president Joe Biden awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour at the White House on Saturday. The former Los Angeles Lakers star was joined on the podium with prominent figures such as former secretary of state and First Lady Hillary Clinton, actor Denzel Washington, longtime Vogue editor-and-chief Anna Wintour and lead singer of Irish band U2 Bono. Football star Lionel Messi missed the ceremony despite being among the honorees.
Johnson, whose life story is an inspiration to many young people, said he was humbled to receive the award.
“I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, Mich., would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States.” Johnson wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night.
Magic Johnson was handed the prestigious award by president Joe Biden. Photo/ Fox Sports.
Magic Johnson rose to prominence during his college days at Michigan State University where he played basketball. Unsurprisingly, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
With the Lakers, Johnson went on to establish himself as one of the greatest NBA players in history, thanks to his mind-blowing performances week after week. He was one of the stars who ushered in the new era of “Showtime until his abrupt retirement in 1991 after testing positive for HIV.
Johnson briefly returned to the NBA in 1996 and played 32 games for the Lakers before hanging his boots for good. The legendary point guard then ventured into business and is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. He is currently a team owner with shares in Los Angeles FC (Major League Soccer), Los Angeles Dodgers (Major League Baseball), Washington Commanders (National Football League), Los Angeles Sparks (Women’s National Basketball Association) and Washington Spirit (National Women’s Soccer League).
Over the years, Magic Johnson has been involved in various philanthropic works supporting the less fortunate in the society. He has also been fighting against HIV stigma, something which the White House emcee mentioned on Saturday while he was being awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Lionel Messi Misses Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Ceremony
Former FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi was among those honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who now plays in the United States for Inter Miami, is the first male footballer to receive the award. He is also the first Argentine to be honored with the prestigious award.
But as other recipients attended the ceremony at the White House, Messi was absent due to prior commitments. A statement by his representatives indicated that the World Cup winner was grateful for the gesture but sent a letter to the White House indicating that he had scheduled conflicts.
Lionel Messi. Photo/ Goal.com.
The White House gives the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors”. During his reign as president, Biden has presented the award to various athletes, including Jim Thorpe, Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe (the first footballer to receive the award).
Messi, who is the most decorated footballer of all time, received the award for supporting healthcare and education programs around the world.
