Victor Wembanyama mourns grandmother’s death with moving tribute to never-before-seen photo


on Tuesday, Victor Wembanyama competed in the finals of the Emirates NBA Cup 2025. The San Antonio Spurs center had a solid outing with 18 points and six rebounds, but it appeared something was weighing heavily on Wembanyama’s mind.

As reported Athletic, Wembanyama had discovered that morning that his grandmother had died in his native France. The next day, Wemby took to Instagram to post a photo showing her childhood with her grandmother.

Victor Wembanyama publishes a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. Credit: Wembanyama/IGVictor Wembanyama publishes a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. Credit: Wembanyama/IG
Victor Wembanyama publishes a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. Credit: Wembanyama/IG

Following the Spurs’ 124-113 loss to the Knicks in the NBA Cup Finals, the All-Star big man did his best to remain calm during the postgame media availability. However, Wembanyama could not hold back the tears and apologized to reporters for getting emotional.

“Sorry, I lost someone today,” said a shocked Wembanyama.

There is currently no confirmation whether Wembanyama will return to France to be with his loved ones at this difficult time.

At the start of the season, Wembanyama had fans and analysts talking about his potential first MVP win as he posted incredible numbers in scoring and rebounding. Wemby’s statistical rise went hand in hand with the Spurs sitting comfortably near the top of the Western Conference standings.

A calf injury has somewhat derailed Wembanyama’s momentum, and has also led Spurs to take a more cautious approach, leaving their franchise player off the bench. However, San Antonio is in the thick of things, and Wembanyama is likely headed for his second All-Star appearance.

Viral clip shows Victor Wembanyama interacting with Jalen Brunson after NBA Cup Final loss

As it turns out, there was a valid reason behind a seemingly questionable interaction Wembanyama had with Knicks star Jalen Brunson after the NBA Cup Finals. In a viral clip, Wembanyama is seen barely acknowledging Brunson after the final bell rang.

It’s safe to say, then, that Wembanyama’s actions in this clip were not in poor taste. Bearing the weight of losing the NBA Cup Finals and the situation in his personal life, Wemby had a lot on his mind at the moment.