Rudy Gobert Bio: Net Worth, Salary, and Professional Career

Rudy Gobert is recognized as one of the most influential defensive players to ever play the game. "The Stifle Tower", Gobert is a towering 7'1" and possesses an amazing ability to block shots. Gobert impacted the game with his defensive prowess, but Gobert and the respect he commanded as the consummate professional, leader, and consistency caught the attention of every player in the league. Gobert has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times and has numerous All-Star and All-Defensive teams selections. Gobert first played organized basketball for JSC Saint-Quentin before developing his skills further with Cholet Basket, eventually attracting the attention of the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Gobert has represented his hometown of Saint-Quentin, France, and is proud to continue his awe-inspiring journey in the NBA world. To date, Rudy has been an ambassador for basketball globally and has created a sense of pride in future generations during a time when there are the most professional athletes and ambassadors for France.

Rudy Gobert's Early Life

Rudy Gobert was born in Saint-Quentin, a small town in northern France, on June 26, 1992. Rudy was raised by his mother, Corinne, after his parents split up when he was only three. Rudy grew up humble, giving him both a challenging upbringing and great parents who pushed him and believed in him. Rudy's father, Rudy Bourgarel, played professionally in France and played in America's collegiate system, and so he had the genetic advantages based on his father's physique, but also because of the background and reference his father gave him.

His mother did not discourage Rudy from his goals and supported him while he played basketball. He picked up his first basketball at 11 years old and played at his local club, JSC Saint-Quentin. At age 15, Rudy was accepted into the youth program for Cholet Basket, which was a major milestone in the French basketball pathway. There, Rudy played on structured teams with structured coaches that facilitated his development and preparation for an opportunity as a professional basketball player both in Europe and the NBA.

Rudy Gobert Personal Information

Rudy Gobert is recognized as an elite defensive player. Gobert has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times. Rudy was born in Saint-Quentin, France, and he has played in both the NBA and for France. Gobert has helped his community through philanthropy and youth engagement initiatives off the court. Rudy became a father in 2024. Rudy and his partner, Julia Bonilla, broke up in May of 2025. Rudy is still an elite player, and he is loved everywhere.

Rudy Gobert's Personal Life

Rudy Gobert lives a relatively private life but occasionally offers glimpses of the world beyond the court through interviews and social media. He is not an extroverted person, enjoying time spent outdoors, practicing mindfulness, and traveling. He was in a committed relationship with Julia Bonilla, an entrepreneurial creator, and their son, Roméo, was just born in May 2024! Rudy missed an important playoff game because he was at the birth of his child, a clear commitment to his family life. He enjoys support, stability, and consistency in his life very much. He credits the stability of his life to the level of support he received growing up from his strong single mother, which established the level he exhibits today.

Gobert maintains a strong bond with his son Romeo, often sharing the court’s highs and personal moments even as the Timberwolves faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals Rudy is active in giving through his "Rudy's Kids Foundation," committed to underprivileged youth through education and sports outreach. He highly values initiatives focused on children's healthcare and initiatives that promote equality. Rudy's holistic approach to life, combining athletic performance, personal ownership, and social responsibility, is a powerful example as a formal leader on and off the court.

Rudy Gobert's Parents

Rudy Gobert's parents are Corinne Gobert and Rudy Bourgarel. Corinne Gobert raised her son Rudy in Saint-Quentin, France. Corinne worked many hours at a hair salon to support Rudy and allowed him to play youth and high school basketball before Rudy finally chose to play professionally contention before any of his family could discourage or restrict Rudy due to their two different citizenships, or their family's opinions. When Rudy became famous, it surprised Corinne's family for many reasons. Due to Rudy's biracial ethnicity, it wasn't just the fact that he was not completely "French".

Rudy had a father not know until later. His father was an athlete as a professional basketball player in France and NCAA Marist College in the 1980s. Rudy Bourgarel had an impact or influence on Rudy's physical makeup, especially early on, by inspiring him initially by hanging out with him in the game of basketball. Rudy's determination and resolve to move forward on his journey through time or legacy, which had an impact on him, were found throughout the years. Lastly, Rudy gave so much credit to both his parents, who developed his character and will only make him a better worker.

Rudy Gobert Girlfriend

Rudy Gobert's girlfriend was French creative professional Julia Bonilla. The two had been together for several years and shared a quiet but supportive bond. Their relationship drew public attention in 2024 when they welcomed their son, Roméo, in May of that year. Rudy even missed a playoff game to be present for his child’s birth, showcasing his commitment as a father. However, in May 2025, news broke that Rudy and Julia had officially ended their relationship. The reason for their split remains private, and both have chosen to keep further details away from the public eye. Despite the breakup, they remain co-parents to their son and are reportedly focused on providing a stable, loving environment for him. Rudy has not commented publicly about entering a new relationship since the separation. The breakup marked a personal turning point, but he has remained focused

Rudy Gobert Kids

Rudy Gobert has one child, a son named Romeo, born on May 6, 2024. Romeo's arrival marked a huge life change in Rudy's personal life since it was the beginning of his experience as a father. Rudy was so mindful of Romeo's arrival that he even missed an important playoff game with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This shows how much he values his family above all else.

Rudy is very private about his personal life, but he has shared some little, heartfelt glimpses of the experience as a father on social media. None of these public posts share Romeo's face, and we respect the intention that came with those posts, as the family wishes to maintain their privacy. Noteworthy, Rudy said, being a father was a great feeling and brings tremendous responsibility, also noted how the experience already makes him feel a renewed sense of purpose, both on and off the basketball court.

Although Romeo is still a baby, Rudy seems excited to share his love of sports when the time comes, and seems will want to do so as an active member of Romeo's life.

Rudy Gobert Contract

Rudy Gobert has signed several lucrative contracts during his NBA career, highlighting him as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the game. He signed a 5-year, $205 million extension with the Utah Jazz in December 2021, which was the largest contract of 2021 for a center at that time. After he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022, he signed a 3-year, $109.5 million extension in October 2025, making sure he was staying with the Timberwolves until 2028.

Rudy Gobert's contracts show how well respected he and his ability in the NBA are valued. He was valued for his rim protection and rebounding, almost forty million dollars a year. Gobert has additional financial positives on his contracts, like performance bonuses and incentives regarding whether he won accolades like Defensive Player of the Year.

Rudy Gobert Salary

Rudy Gobert makes about $35 million per year, and he is among the highest-paid centers in the NBA. His large contract with the Timberwolves reflects his consistency and importance as a defensive anchor.

Gobert's income also includes endorsements, playoff bonuses, and bonuses for performance. Although Gobert's income is stable, his market value has increased as he has consistently produced at a high level for the past several seasons. He dominates in the paint on both sides of the ball and is a proven game-winner on the defensive end. There are not many players in the league who have Gobert's impact defensively.

Rudy Gobert Net Worth

Rudy Gobert's net worth is estimated at around $100 million. His fortune is mostly derived from his years playing in the NBA (over $200 million in contracts alone). Furthermore, he has signed brand endorsements with companies like Nike, Vivint, and various European companies.

In addition to his lifestyle and wellness investments outside of basketball, he is also a generous philanthropist. His "Rudy's Kids Foundation" is one of the vehicles he uses to give back to his community. He donated over $500,000 to COVID-19 relief and continues to give back with donations to community-based programs and initiatives for youth development. His financial net worth appears to be increasing gradually over time as a basketball star, intentional, disciplined, and sustainable. Rudy is financially stable and socially responsible; the two are not mutually exclusive.

Rudy Gobert Career

For more than a decade, Rudy Gobert has played professional basketball and has been a mainstay defensively. He began his professional career in France with Cholet Basket, before becoming eligible for the NBA after the 2012-2013 season. The Denver Nuggets drafted him 27th overall in 2013, but he was drafted by the Jazz on drafting night. He rapidly went from a raw prospect to one of the most elite shot blockers and rebounders the league has ever seen. Shortly thereafter, he emerged as a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA player.

In 2022, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a blockbuster deal to help bolster their defense. Gobert's size allows him to occupy the paint forever, which gives the Timberwolves elite defense. He is also a member of France's national basketball team, while still representing them as they have earned medals in the Olympic games and FIBA opportunities. His journey goes to show that discipline, defense, and work ethic can help carve a career down the path of stardom without the high-octane offense.

Rudy Gobert High School Career

Regardless of the fact that Rudy Gobert did not attend an American high school, he went through the equivalent American developmental process in the youth basketball structure in France. He began with a local club called JSC Saint-Quentin, eventually making the jump to Cholet Basket's junior program at age 15. The next phase replicated a high school phase in the U.S with an emphasis on fundamentals and competition.

When Gobert entered Cholet, he was regarded as someone with size, standing height, and a wingspan, but his work ethic and desire to improve separated him from others in his age group. He played in a number of under-16 and under-18 leagues in France and produced solid averages in rebounds and blocks. He represented his country in the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, averaging 12.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. These performances got him on the radar of a number of NBA scouts, and it set the foundation for his future. His time in the system at Cholet in the France youth league served the same purpose as a productive and successful American high school experience.

Rudy Gobert College Career

Rudy Gobert chose to forgo college basketball and play professionally in France after developing in the Cholet youth program. At 18 years of age, he joined Cholet's senior squad in the French Pro A league, competing against veterans. In the 2012-13 season, Gobert, who received very limited minutes, finished with 8.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, a stat line that mainly represented his defensive prowess.

Gobert was invited to the 2013 NBA Draft Combine and had a wingspan of a different level at 7'8.5", and while there was some uncertainty about his offensive skill set, he began to gain traction as a draft prospect. Gobert made the right choice in pursuing a professional basketball opportunity instead of college basketball and got some experience against veterans. Gobert was successful in Europe and demonstrated that players could also be ready for the NBA via other player developmental pathways than NCAA basketball.

Rudy Gobert Professional Career

Rudy Gobert was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 27th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, only to be traded to the Utah Jazz. He used his rookie campaign as a learning opportunity, and in the 2014-15 season, the world began to take notice as he started to assert himself and average 8.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He quickly became the starting center for the Jazz, and before long, was firmly established as their defensive anchor. He earned four straight Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2018 to 2019, 2021, and 2024, stamped his name on many All-NBA teams, and led the league in blocks and rebounds several times.

Gobert was then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 and backed up his reputation as a game-changing player by winning his fourth DPOY award in 2024. He was also successful internationally with the French National Team as he earned Olympic silver medals at the 2020 and again in 2024, and a bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup in 2014. Gobert's success in both the NBA and on the international front is almost the end of a career built on elite-level defense, strong fundamentals, and a work ethic that never wanes.

Rudy Gobert Shoes

Rudy Gobert has developed a close relationship with Nike, wearing their basketball performance shoes, focused on big guys most of the time. Gobert has been wearing some popular models throughout the years, such as the Nike Zoom Rize, Nike Air Zoom G.T. Run, and most recently the Nike G.T. Hustle 3 that he wore during the 2025 playoffs, which offered Gobert stability, cushioning, and ankle support because he plays so physically under the basket. Gobert is all about function instead of flash with his shoe choices, as a sign of dedication and discipline to the game.

Rudy does not have a signature shoe yet, but because of his importance in the league, it is common for fans to look at his shoes. Sometimes Rudy posts sneaker pictures to social media, especially if he is supporting one of Nike's social programs or youth programs. As one of the most respected international players in the NBA, Rudy Gobert's shoes tend to inspire young centers and forwards in search of performance shoes.

Rudy Gobert Jersey

Rudy Gobert has always worn No. 27 as a tribute to his draft position in 2013. He famously donned the 27 jersey for the duration of his career with the Utah Jazz, where he made multiple All-Star appearances and was the team's franchise cornerstone while winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times.

After Gobert was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022, he kept his jersey number as an indication of personal identity and continuity. His jersey has become one of the top-selling jerseys among international players and fans, especially in France. Gobert's also worn the No. 27 jersey while representing Team France in international competitions. He was awarded the silver medal with Team France in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. He has reached a pinnacle of greatness in the league as a defensive player, and over the years, specifically with fans, his jersey has become synonymous with greatness in both the NBA and international competition. Fans have associated No. 27 with toughness, reliability, and brute force around the basket, the qualities that Rudy Gobert embodies on the court.

Rudy Gobert Awards and Achievements

Rudy Gobert has built a decorated career centered around defensive excellence and consistency. Gobert is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, matc hing the records of greats from teams such as the Atlanta Hawks (Dikembe Mutombo) and Detroit Pistons (Ben Wallace). He’s been selected for three NBA All-Star Games and has earned seven All-Defensive First Team honors. Gobert also led the NBA in rebounds and blocks.

Internationally, he helped France win silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, and a bronze at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He has also earned All-NBA Second Team and Third Team honors. Gobert’s achievements make him one of the most successful international players in NBA history. His ability to consistently perform at an elite level on defense while maintaining a positive public image off the court has earned him widespread respect and a long-lasting legacy.