PARIS (France) - Gabby Williams has won the Alain-Gilles Trophy, awarded annually to the French Basketball Player of the Year. The decision was made by members of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), former players from the men's and women's senior national teams, and the French sports media, alongside public votes.
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In a closely contested competition, Williams narrowly defeated San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama, an NBA finalist and Defensive Player of the Year, by just nine points. She also surpassed Evan Fournier, who had a successful season with Olympiacos, winning two trophies and being named Finals MVP twice.
Williams's remarkable performance helped the French national team reach their first FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final. Additionally, she was instrumental in Fenerbahce's EuroLeague Women championship and had a strong showing in the WNBA with the Golden State Valkyries. As the French national team's captain, Williams takes the award after her teammate Valeriane Ayayi won it last year, making her the 2024 recipient.
This win marks the third consecutive year that the award has gone to a female player, emphasizing the rising prominence of women’s basketball globally. With this victory, Williams joins Nando De Colo as the only two-time winner of the award since its inception, having previously won it in 2024.
Williams's impact was especially notable at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, where she was named to the All-Star Five and received the Best Defensive Player award.