Pedro Sánchez presents Pau Gasol with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit in recognition of his "spectacular" career

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

During a ceremony at Moncloa Palace, the President reviewed the main milestones in Pau Gasol's basketball career, with which he has made history, from his triumphs with the Spanish national team to his 18 seasons in the NBA, where he was the first Spaniard to win a ring and the first non-American player to be named Rookie of the Year.

Sánchez pointed out that, with this distinction, which "expresses the affection of the whole of Spanish society", we not only recognise his sporting success "but something even more important: the way he achieved it". In this respect, he highlighted his "ability to inspire what we need so much at the moment: teamwork".

He also wanted to highlight Gasol's "unquestionable ethical and social commitment" as a UNICEF ambassador, in the Gasol Foundation, where he promotes healthy community life habits, with his initiatives to raise funds during the pandemic, and by being "a reference in the defence of equality and diversity in sport".

Combining professional success with integrity, exemplary behaviour and kindness is something very few people can do" and Pau Gasol "has achieved it," added the president, who stated his certainty that Gasol will continue to be "a constant source of pride and inspiration" for all of us.

Non official translation