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LOOK: Victor Wembanyama Showcases Football Skills Scoring Goal In Viral Clip 6 Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) prepares to throw a ball in to the stands in celebration of Fan Appreciation Day after a victory over the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama Showcases Football Skills Scoring Goal In Viral Clip

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Victor Wembanyama just reminded fans he’s as French as it gets—even on the other side of the world.

A clip recently blew up online showing the Spurs’ big man casually scoring ridiculous goals during a football match in Tokyo. Wemby, towering over everyone, still managed to pull off a top-corner shot past multiple defenders like he’s been training with the French national team. The way he moved with the ball, you’d almost forget he’s an NBA player.

Victor Wembanyama‘s love for football isn’t new. He’s been spotted juggling a ball at Champions League matches and kicking it around with kids during a trip to Costa Rica. Growing up in Europe, where football is life, it’s not a surprise. But instead of chasing goals, he chased blocks—and now he’s one of the NBA’s most exciting young stars.

Before a health issue sidelined him, Wembanyama was putting up crazy numbers as a rookie: 24.3 points, 11 boards, nearly 4 blocks a game. Then came the diagnosis—deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that forced him to shut it down after the All-Star break.

Victor Wembanyama off to a spiritual retreat in China

After stepping away from the game, Victor Wembanyama took a break from everything. No appearances, no distractions. He asked his agent to clear his calendar. He wanted peace.

That led him to China.

LOOK: Victor Wembanyama Showcases Football Skills Scoring Goal In Viral Clip 7 May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This month, videos surfaced of Wemby training at the Shaolin Temple. Full monk mode. Shaved head. Simple robes. Practicing staff drills, doing temple runs, and learning Kung Fu alongside other students. He looked completely locked in—not as an NBA star, but just another guy seeking focus.

The Shaolin Temple, known for its history with Zen Buddhism and martial arts, is one of the oldest in China. Wemby didn’t just visit—he immersed himself. It was part recovery, part reset.

LOOK: Victor Wembanyama Showcases Football Skills Scoring Goal In Viral Clip 8 Mar 2, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Now, with the Spurs drafting Dylan Harper at No. 2—who’s already promising playoffs—Wemby’s return is one of the most anticipated stories of the upcoming season.

From football fields in Tokyo to silence in the mountains of China, Victor Wembanyama’s offseason hasn’t just been about basketball. It’s been about balance.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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