| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel |
| Birthday: | January 4, 2004 (age 22 years), Born in Le Chesnay, France |
| Height: | 7'4" (224 cm) |
| Education: | Lycée Joliot-Curie (Diploma) N/A (No Degree) |
Overview
Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel is a French professional basketball player distinguished by his generational talent, exceptional physical attributes, and versatile skillset that led to him being named NBA Rookie of the Year and an All-Defensive First Team selection.
Latest News (Feb 13, 2026): Victor Wembanyama recorded a historic 40-point double-double in just 26 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers and led the San Antonio Spurs to a sixth consecutive win heading into the All-Star break. Preparing for the new USA vs. World format, Victor Wembanyama has publicly committed to bringing a high level of competitive intensity to the upcoming All-Star festivities.
Early Life and Family
Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel was born on January 4, 2004, in Le Chesnay, France. He was born into an athletic family. His father, Félix Wembanyama, is of Congolese descent and was a track and field athlete who specialized in the long jump and triple jump. His mother, Elodie de Fautereau, is a former basketball player and coach who introduced him to the sport. His parents are both tall, with his father standing at 6 feet 6 inches and his mother at 6 feet 3 inches. The athletic environment of his family extended to his siblings; his older sister, Eve, also plays basketball professionally, and his younger brother, Oscar, has participated in youth basketball and handball. His grandfather, Michel de Fautereau, and grandmother, Marie Christine, also have a history with the sport of basketball. Before dedicating himself to basketball, Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel played soccer as a goalkeeper and also practiced judo.
Youth Career Beginnings
Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel began his basketball journey under the tutelage of his mother, who coached youth teams. At the age of seven, he started playing for Entente Le Chesnay Versailles. By the age of ten, he joined the youth system of Nanterre 92. A youth coach for Nanterre, Michaël Allard, first noticed him in 2013 due to his remarkable height of 5 feet 11 inches as an under-11 player, initially mistaking him for a coach.
At fourteen, he moved into the Nanterre team dormitory to live and train while attending a nearby high school. In February 2018, he was loaned to FC Barcelona for the Minicopa del Rey, an under-14 tournament in Spain, where he helped the team secure a third-place finish. He represented France at the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship, where he averaged 9.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and a tournament-leading 5.3 blocks per game, earning all-tournament team honors and a silver medal.
Professional Career in France
Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel made his professional debut with Nanterre 92 during the 2019–20 season at the age of 15. On October 29, 2019, he became the second-youngest player to ever play in the EuroCup. For the 2020–21 season, he was named the Pro A Best Young Player of the Year.
He then moved to ASVEL for the 2021–22 season, where he won the Pro A title. Following his time with ASVEL, he signed with Metropolitans 92 for the 2022–23 season. This season proved to be his breakthrough, as he led the league in scoring with an average of 21.6 points, rebounds with 10.4 per game, and blocks with 3.2 per game. At the conclusion of the season, he was named the LNB Pro A Most Valuable Player, becoming the youngest player to receive the award. He also won the league’s Best Defender, Top Scorer, and Best Young Player awards.
In October 2022, his Metropolitans 92 team played two high-profile exhibition games in Henderson, Nevada, against the NBA G League Ignite. These games, which showcased his skills against other top prospects, further solidified his status as a leading talent.
National Basketball Association Career
Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel was selected by the San Antonio Spurs as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He entered the league with significant expectations, widely regarded as a generational talent. In his rookie season, he became the youngest player to lead the NBA in blocks per game, averaging 3.6. He also became the first player in NBA history to record at least 1,500 points, 250 blocks, and 100 made three-pointers in a single season.
His rookie campaign included several notable performances, such as his first career triple-double on January 10, 2024, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Detroit Pistons. On February 12, he recorded another triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks against the Toronto Raptors. He also had a 40-point, 20-rebound game against the New York Knicks on March 29. At the end of the season, he was unanimously named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie to be named to the All-Defensive First Team. He also represented the French national team, winning a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Personal Life
To prepare for his anticipated career in the NBA, Victor Nonga Wembanyama-de Fautereau-Vassel began teaching himself English as a teenager by watching television shows and online videos. He did not attend college in the United States, instead opting to play professionally in France before entering the NBA draft, a path not uncommon for international players. His parents have been noted for having a significant and positive influence on his maturity and character.