Video of Victor Wembanyama playing soccer in Costa Rica amid shoulder recovery goes viral, fans react “good feet for a big man” | NBA News
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama took a break from the NBA after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder in February and undergoing surgery last month. Now, a new video of the 7’3” French basketball player playing soccer with locals in Costa Rica has surfaced online, and fans can’t believe how good “The Alien” is at the sport.
Victor Wembanyama spotted playing soccer
As Victor Wembanyama’s soccer video landed online, it immediately went viral. The 21-year-old is seen playing shirtless with other locals and kids at a small football ground. At one point, he even hits a header. Viewers on the internet were left in disbelief at how skilled he was.
One X user reacted, “He’s definitely taller than a goalpost.” Another said, “Could you imagine taking a penalty and he’s in goal?” Others noted, “Good feet for a big man.” One person had an idea: “Him as a guest character in a FIFA Street game would be raw as hell.” Another comment read, “Bro looks AI-generated.” Someone also pointed out the efforts of others on the field: “Gotta admire the guy trying to outjump him! That’s the spirit!”
Some fans also raised questions about his recovery. One wrote, “His blood clot is OK then? Didn’t think he would be anywhere near doing any sport at all considering how bad it sounded at one point.” Another joked, “465 missed calls by the GM of the Spurs after seeing this video.”
Before taking up professional basketball, Wembanyama played football as a goalkeeper and also practiced judo.
Talking about his NBA career, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points per game this season, along with 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a field goal percentage of 47.6%. He left the season midway due to the shoulder injury, which worsened after he returned from the All-Star Game in San Francisco.
Also Read: Victor Wembanyama sidelined indefinitely with crucial shoulder injury, San Antonio Spurs’ season takes a hit
He was named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie ever to be named to the All-Defensive First Team. He also plays for the French national team, which won silver at the 2024 Olympics.
