Victor Wembanyama, the 20-year-old basketball prodigy, has taken the NBA by storm since being drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. Standing at a towering 7 feet, 3 ½ inches tall, Victor’s journey to the NBA has been deeply influenced by his supportive family. His parents, Félix Wembanyama and Elodie de Fautereau, along with his siblings, Eve and Oscar, have been by his side throughout his meteoric rise. While Victor’s net worth is still growing as he embarks on his professional career, his family’s encouragement and shared love for sports have played a crucial role in shaping the young athlete.
Athletic Roots
Victor’s athletic prowess is no accident, as both his parents have strong backgrounds in sports. His father, Félix Wembanyama, was a star in track and field, excelling in the high jump. Félix’s expertise in athletics was passed down to his children, teaching them the fundamentals of running and movement that have proven invaluable in their respective sports careers. Victor once shared with EuroLeague Basketball how his father’s lessons in running technique helped him succeed in basketball.
Elodie de Fautereau, Victor’s mother, was also a professional basketball player, making it no surprise that all three Wembanyama siblings found their way onto the basketball court. Elodie’s influence on her children’s athletic development was profound, particularly for Victor, who has often noted the similarities between himself and his mother, both in personality and in their shared love for the game.
Siblings in Sports
Victor is not the only Wembanyama sibling making waves in the sports world. His older sister, Eve, born on December 10, 2001, and younger brother, Oscar, born on March 18, 2007, are also accomplished athletes. Eve stands at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and has played for various basketball teams, including LDLC ASVEL of Lyon, France, competing in EuroLeague Women. She has represented France in international competitions, including the FIBA U20 Women’s European Challengers in 2021 and the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship in 2017.
Oscar, the youngest Wembanyama, is 6 feet, 5 inches tall and is quickly making a name for himself in basketball. Initially drawn to handball, Oscar switched his focus to basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by the increased time spent watching the sport. In 2021, he joined Nanterre 92, the same club team where Victor had previously played, and won the French U15 title. By 2022, he was playing for LDLC ASVEL’s U18 team, following in the footsteps of his older siblings.
Growing Up in France
The Wembanyama family hails from Le Chesnay, a small town near Paris, France. While Félix is originally from Congo, Elodie was raised in France, and the country holds significant meaning for the family. Victor’s move to the United States to play in the NBA marked a major transition, one that came with cultural adjustments, particularly in terms of cuisine. Victor has expressed his fondness for French food, joking that he plans to bring some European flavors with him to the U.S.
Despite the challenges of moving to a new country, Victor remains deeply connected to his French roots. He has already set his sights on representing France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, stating that his goal is nothing less than a gold medal. This commitment to his home country underscores the importance of his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his family.
The NBA Draft and Family Support
When Victor was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs on June 22, 2023, his family was right there with him, sharing in the excitement of the moment. The draft was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, not just from Victor but from the entire Wembanyama family. Eve, Oscar, and their parents, Félix and Elodie, were all present at the televised event, beaming with pride as Victor’s name was called.
In an interview with ESPN after the draft, Eve expressed the family’s collective joy, saying, “That’s amazing. We are all so proud. We are very happy for you, we are happy for the family, for the friends, for everything, for the basketball — that’s so amazing.” Oscar added, “With the first pick and everything, I got little tears in my eyes,” reflecting the emotional weight of the moment.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Wembanyama siblings have all achieved significant milestones in their respective sports careers, driven by a shared family legacy of excellence. Oscar has spoken about the inspiration he draws from his older siblings, particularly Eve, whose intensity and dedication on the basketball court have motivated him to strive for greatness. Victor, meanwhile, has embraced his role as a trailblazer for his younger brother, teaching Oscar valuable lessons about handling the pressures that come with being in the spotlight.
Despite the inevitable comparisons to his older brother, Oscar is determined to carve out his own path in basketball. “The only pressure I receive is from others who give it to me, from constantly being compared to [Victor], and all the questions I am asked about him,” Oscar told EuroLeague Basketball. “People sometimes see me only as Victor’s brother, and that’s not the case. My goal is not to do exactly like him but to write my own story, as beautiful as possible.”
Looking Ahead
As Victor Wembanyama embarks on his NBA journey, the support of his family remains a cornerstone of his success. His parents, Félix and Elodie, have laid the foundation for their children to excel in sports and life, while his siblings, Eve and Oscar, continue to inspire and motivate him. The Wembanyama family’s shared love for basketball and their deep-rooted connection to their French heritage will undoubtedly guide Victor as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his professional career.
Victor’s story is not just one of individual achievement but of a family that has embraced sports as a way of life, supporting each other every step of the way. As he looks to the future, Victor Wembanyama carries with him the lessons, values, and love that have shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.