Victor Wembanyama might be off the hardwood, but he’s far from invisible.
Currently recovering from a rare shoulder DVT that ended his sophomore NBA season prematurely, the San Antonio Spurs star was recently spotted vacationing in Costa Rica. But what should have been a quiet rehab escape turned into viral internet gold—thanks to a pickup football game that featured a 7′4 French unicorn outplaying local kids on the field.
One viral clip says it all: “Nah Wemby looks so scary playing football .” And truth be told, he kind of does. Not because he’s aggressive. Because it’s surreal. Towering over the field, legs like stilts, his every stride covers half the pitch.
You’d think a man built to block Giannis wouldn’t have the touch to trap a football, but Wemby moved like he belonged—dribbling, juking, and, at one point, launching a pinpoint cross that had fans wondering if PSG might come calling. He even took pictures with the kids there and let me tell you, the visuals are super cute.
However, let’s not forget: Wembanyama hasn’t played since mid-February. Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder—a condition more commonly found in the legs—he was ruled out for the season, cutting short what had been a DPOY-level campaign.
He still finished the season leading the league in blocks (176), despite missing the final 36 games. But he fell short of the 65-game minimum required to qualify for year-end awards.
The injury was serious. Blood clots can be life-threatening. But caught early, and treated with care, athletes can bounce back. Wembanyama is already lifting weights again, engaging in light on-court activities, and projecting confidence.
“I’m neither late or early,” he told ESPN. “But it’s a process. We’re doing all we can, and I’m growing from it.”
This is why the viral video lands differently. Wemby isn’t hiding. He’s embracing movement, community, and joy. For a 21-year-old sidelined in his prime, that’s as meaningful as any MRI result.
And maybe that’s what people saw in the clip. A generational talent refusing to let a diagnosis cage him. A near 8-footer, playing with a bunch of kids, letting the game come to him. However, we can’t help but ask: What does the future have in store for him?
Recovery mode: ON. But the aura? Unstoppable — What comes next for Wemby and the Spurs?
The Spurs were caught in a bit of a limbo this season. They missed the playoffs and leaned into development. But with Wemby expected back for training camp, likely in October, and new addition De’Aaron Fox eager to build chemistry, expectations are mounting. Stephon Castle won Rookie of the Year. And Coach Popovich is planning a return after missing most of the season due to a stroke.
The pieces are coming together. And if Wemby returns at full strength?
This might be the last summer you catch him playing soccer in Costa Rica.
Yes, Wembanyama’s injury came at a frustrating time—but it only paused a sophomore season that emerged from a very historic rookie season. He became the first rookie in NBA history to average 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks per game. And he did it all in under 30 minutes a night. The only players to ever put up similar numbers are Hall of Famers like Shaq and Kareem.
Jan 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
That’s not a fluke. That’s a blueprint. The league noticed, too. Wemby was leading the Defensive Player of the Year race before the clot. He guarded guards, centers, wings. He shut down lobs, swatted jumpers, and even improvised defensive sets no one’s seen before.
“I’m just experimenting,” he told The Ringer. “Sometimes it won’t work. But when it works, I’m just going to keep doing it.”
Now imagine him healthy.
Other players have come back strong from similar issues. Brandon Ingram had thoracic outlet syndrome. Ausar Thompson missed time. Chris Bosh’s story was tragic—but rare. The Spurs have been cautious for a reason. But all signs point to Wemby being ready by October.
And here’s the twist: San Antonio holds major draft capital. Eleven future firsts. Three potential swaps. Two lottery picks this year. If the Raptors pick conveys, the Spurs could have two top-10 selections. Add cap space and a rising young core, and suddenly, San Antonio isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.
Players are already reaching out. Prospects want in. Veterans are watching. The league knows the window is opening.
Victor himself? He’s already working on catch-and-shoot 3s. Improving his handle. Taking sharper angles. Finishing through contact.
And most importantly—leading. Not with words. With presence.
Hence, Wemby’s viral moment in Costa Rica wasn’t just lighthearted offseason content. It was a reminder that even when the court is out of bounds, he remains the center of gravity. The game—and the future—still revolve around him.
The post Victor Wembanyama “Looks So Scary” as First Visuals of Costa Rica Vacation Go Viral Amid Shoulder Recovery appeared first on EssentiallySports.
