Victor Wembanyama goes full Messi mode on Costa Rican soccer field

Sidelined for a large chunk of the 2024–25 NBA season following surgery for deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, French phenom Victor Wembanyama is making the most of his recovery by soaking up the sun in Costa Rica.

At 7-4, Wemby entered the league with unprecedented hype, but after showcasing his fancy footwork on the soccer field, it’s clear that basketball isn’t his only talent.

This week, video surfaced showing the San Antonio Spurs star showing off some surprisingly slick moves on the soccer field while playing with locals in Costa Rica. The footage quickly made the rounds online, with fans thrilled to see him looking healthy, active and clearly enjoying himself.

🤩🇫🇷 Pro basketballer Victor Wembanyama playing football! He is 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m). pic.twitter.com/8Sg9iL4bnn

Responding to the video on TikTok, one fan wrote, "Who knew Wemby had skills on the soccer field too? This guy is just full of surprises!" Another posted, "Wemby is everywhere, showing love in Costa Rica! His skills are next level, and it’s awesome to see him in action."

In Costa Rica, soccer is not only the most popular sport, according to CostaRica.org, “it’s almost a religion.” Almost every town is home to at least one soccer field or “cancha,” where large groups of locals play a “mejenga” (a friendly match) on their lunch break and after work.

Wembanyama is expected to rejoin the Spurs for the 2025–26 NBA season, and after watching him glide across the soccer field, fans have more reason to feel optimistic about his recovery.

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