Where is Victor Wembanyama from? How Paris roots fuel Spurs' star's PSG fandom originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Victor Wembanyama has made his love for Paris abundantly clear. The French-born big man has spearheaded the European nation's ascent into basketball relevancy in recent years, emerging as France's finest-ever basketball talent with the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite making waves in United States, Wembanyama's heart belongs in Paris. He's a hooper — and a damned good one at that. But he's also one of the city's most vociferous acolytes, known to celebrate the city in all of its contours — from its music to its fashion and, most notably, their sporting achievements.
With that, here's what you need to know about Wembanyama's Parisian roots — including how they influence his support of the city's most famous sporting institution, Paris-Saint Germain.
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Where is Victor Wembanyama from?
Wembanyama hails from Le Chesnay, a 1.64-mile commune located in Paris' western suburbs. The 1.64-square-mile enclave lies 10.4 miles away from the heart of Paris.
During his youth, Wembanyama tried his luck at soccer and judo. He eventually settled for the hardwood, coming to prominence under his mother's tutelage. He started his basketball career at Entente Le Chesnay Versailles before joining Nanterre 92's youth setup as a 10-year-old. He stayed with Nanterre until 2021, establishing himself as France's preeminent basketball prospect.
Wembanyama's Parisian roots run deep. He has embraced the City of Light on numerous occasions throughout his professional career. He basked in the Parisian glow during France's run to the silver medal in the 2024 Olympics.
He was also given a raucous ovation when he returned to his hometown when San Antonio downed the Pacers in Jan. 2025.
Wembanyama made his 2025 return trip one to remember. Not only did he travel to the Eiffel Tower and Paris Fashion Week. He also attended one of PSG's Champions League matches, further cementing himself as one of the club's highest-profile supporters.
What soccer team does Victor Wembanyama support?
Unsurprisingly, Wembanyama is a PSG supporter. He had his say on the club's impending Champions League final joust vs. Arsenal following San Antonio's 115-108 win over the Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals tilt, blasting the Londoners while backing his beloved Parisians to pick up their second-straight European crown.
“Aww, come on. PSG, of course," Wembanyama said when queried by Steve Nash on what team he is rooting for in the final. "At least, PSG gonna make it somewhat fun. Because I know Arsenal ain’t."
Wembanyama might have a point. PSG has been one of the beautiful game's most beautiful sides, sweeping teams aside with splendid attacking play. The Parisians put six goals past Bayern Munich across two legs, four more than the Gunners managed against Atletico Madrid.
It's not the first time Wembanyama has made his passion for the Paris club known. He bumped shoulders with former PSG star Kylian Mbappe prior to the 2023 NBA Draft.
Wembanyama also cited the Parisians — and their loudest supporters, the Collectif Ultras — as inspiration for the Jackals, the Spurs' legion of noise.
“The pack leaders, I told them they don’t have to call me Wemby anymore,” Wembanyama told The Athletic. “Because now we’re part of the same crew.”
