Victor Wembanyama has earned  Defensive Player of the Year honours for the 2025–26 season in a clean sweep of the vote.

The San Antonio Spurs star, just 22 years old, becomes the youngest player ever to claim the award, and the first to do it unanimously, collecting all 100 first place votes. Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder finished second, while Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons placed third.

Wembanyama led the league in blocks with 197 for the second straight year, added 66 steals, and posted one of the NBA’s best defensive ratings. His presence around the rim also helped him pull in a 110.4 defensive rating.

The French big man had made it clear early in his career that he planned to take over as the league’s top defender, a title long associated with fellow countryman Rudy Gobert. After falling short last season due to limited games, he definitely delivered this year.

He is also in the running for MVP alongside Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Wembanyama’s influence is already changing how opponents approach the game, with many thinking twice before attacking the basket when he’s nearby. That presence carried into the playoffs, where he opened the postseason with 35 points in a Game 1 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, giving the Spurs a strong start in their return to playoff basketball.