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<ul><li>Wembanyama displayed unexpected talent despite his 7'4" frame</li><li>Local players initially shocked by NBA star's participation</li><li>The San Antonio Spurs finished outside the playoff places</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

WATCH: San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor 'Wemby' Wembanyama surprises Costa Rican locals with his soccer skills in a pickup match

<p>During a vacation to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama spontaneously joined a group of local residents playing an informal football match on the beach. The French basketball phenomenon spent over an hour participating in the game, drawing a growing crowd of spectators as word spread about his presence in the small community.  The moment created an unexpected cultural exchange between one of basketball's most recognizable young stars and everyday Costa Ricans.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This footage of Victor Wembanyama playing football with locals in Costa Rica is incredible<a href="https://t.co/FJyDoQicvl">pic.twitter.com/FJyDoQicvl</a></p>— COPA90 (@Copa90) <a href="https://twitter.com/Copa90/status/1915397031922737507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WATCH THE CLIPS

<p>The interaction reflects a growing trend of NBA players using their global platform and off-season time to connect with international communities through basketball alternatives. Wembanyama isn’t the only basketball star in tune with football as T.J. McConnell, Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas are all big fans of Leeds United amongst other stars.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Wembanyama is expected to continue his Costa Rican vacation for another week before returning to France and eventually San Antonio to prepare for his sophomore NBA season.</p>

WHAT’S NEXT?

WATCH: San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor 'Wemby' Wembanyama surprises Costa Rican locals with his soccer skills in a pickup match | Goal.com

The San Antonio Spurs star delighted residents of a small Costa Rican coastal town when he joined a pickup football match on a local beach