Magic Johnson Shares His Emotions After Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in a White House Ceremony

Magic Johnson was visibly moved and overwhelmed with emotion after being awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday.

The legendary NBA player was one of 19 honorees selected by outgoing President Joe Biden for America’s highest civilian honor.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, as well as to world peace or other notable societal endeavors.

Johnson, along with soccer star Lionel Messi, was one of the few athletes recognized this year.

While Messi was absent from the ceremony, Johnson made his way to the White House to accept his award.

An Emotional Moment for the NBA Icon

During the ceremony, the five-time NBA champion shared a light-hearted moment with President Biden, who was seen draping the medal around Johnson’s neck as the basketball icon crouched down to receive it.

The exchange ended with a handshake and a shared laugh, creating a memorable moment for the two.

Johnson also took the time to pose for photos with Hollywood legend Denzel Washington, who was another honoree on the day.

Afterward, he took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the honor and reflect on the magnitude of the achievement.

A Humbling Experience for Johnson

In his post, Johnson wrote that he was “humbled and overwhelmed with emotion.”

He recalled growing up in Lansing, Michigan, and never imagining that one day he would receive such an honor.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States,” Johnson shared with his followers.

He also expressed his deep appreciation for the people who helped him along the way, including his family, friends, mentors, and colleagues.

The award not only celebrates Johnson’s career with the Lakers but also his extensive work through the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Acknowledging the Responsibility of the Award

Johnson made it clear that the award wasn’t just for him, but for everyone who contributed to his success.

“This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today,” he wrote.

He also emphasized that the honor symbolizes the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equality, promising to continue his efforts to bring about positive change.

Other notable figures receiving the Medal of Freedom this year included U2’s Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and actor Michael J. Fox.

Sports stars like Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles, and Katie Ledecky have also been previous recipients.

Messi’s Absence Sparks Controversy

While Magic Johnson was present to collect his award, Lionel Messi was noticeably absent.

Reports suggested that Messi’s absence was due to a “scheduling issue,” but no one was there to accept the award on his behalf.

In fact, when the 2025 recipients were announced, Messi’s name was skipped over entirely.

At the time of the ceremony, Messi had been pictured playing soccer with children in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, just days after spending the holidays in Miami with his family.

The decision to honor Messi with the Medal of Freedom had already sparked some controversy earlier in the day, with some fans expressing their discontent.