Scouts had never seen a player like Victor Wembanyama: more than seven feet tall, able to dribble like a guard, shoot three-pointers and block shots from nowhere.
Wembanyama was born in 2004 in Le Chesnay, near Paris. His father, Félix, is of Congolese heritage and competed in athletics as a triple jumper and long jumper. His mother, Élodie de Fautereau, is French and a former basketball player and coach. Sport ran in the family: his sister plays basketball, and his brother too.
Growing up
Wembanyama grew up in Le Chesnay and played for Nanterre and later ASVEL, before joining Metropolitans 92 in France’s top league. In the 2022 to 2023 season, he was the league’s most valuable player and led it in scoring, rebounds and blocks.
The draft
The San Antonio Spurs selected him first overall in the 2023 NBA draft. He was described as one of the most anticipated prospects in years.
Rookie year
In his first season, 2023 to 2024, Wembanyama was unanimously named Rookie of the Year. He led the league in blocks and was named to the All-Defensive First Team, a rare honour for a rookie.
Olympics
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Wembanyama helped France reach the final, where they lost to the United States team that included Joel Embiid. France took silver.
Health
In 2025, Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder and missed the rest of the 2024 to 2025 season, a worrying setback for a young star who had just been named an All-Star. He was later cleared to return to basketball.
Paris
In January 2025, the Spurs played two regular-season games in Paris, a homecoming for Wembanyama in front of French crowds who had followed him since his teens.
African heritage
Wembanyama’s Congolese roots are celebrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where fans follow his career, alongside other players of African heritage such as Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Personality
He is known for his curiosity, humour and interests beyond basketball, including chess and reading.
Legacy
Still in his early twenties, Wembanyama is already one of the most famous players in the world. He has already changed what scouts look for in a young big man.
His father jumped for distance. His son jumps to block shots that others think are safe.
