Rudy Gobert, the star center of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the French national team, is expecting his first child with his girlfriend Julia Bonilla. The couple announced their pregnancy on Instagram during the All-Star weekend in February 2024. This article will explore Gobert’s career, relationship history, pregnancy announcement, and recent news.
Who is Rudy Gobert?
- Rudy Gobert is a French professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He is currently playing his 9th season and has been a three-time NBA All-Star. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets with 27 overall choices in the 2013 NBA Draft and was traded to the Utah Jazz on draft night.
- Gobert is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league, having won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times with the Jazz. He is also known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and dunking abilities. He has led the NBA in blocks twice and in field goal percentage four times. He holds the NBA record for the most dunks in a single season with 306 in 2018-19.
- Gobert is also a prominent member of the French national team, having represented his country in several international competitions. He won the bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2019 FIBA World Cup, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also helped France qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Relationship History
- Gobert has kept his personal life private and has not publicly dated many women. He was previously linked to Hannah Stocking, an American internet personality and model, in early 2021. However, the relationship did not last long and the couple broke up later that year.
- Gobert’s current girlfriend is Julia Bonilla, a French co-host and editor of the blog/podcast Journey. Her podcast focuses on life’s journey, offering candid insights and emphasizing the beauty of life from her unique perspective. Bonilla and Gobert have been spending time together in Minnesota, hinting at a strong bond.
Announcement of Pregnancy
- Gobert and Bonilla announced their pregnancy on Instagram on February 21, 2024, while they were vacationing together during the All-Star break. Gobert posted a photo of himself and Bonilla on the beach with the caption “Legacy.” Bonilla commented “The better half of us.” The couple did not reveal the baby’s due date or gender.
- The pregnancy news surprised many fans and NBA insiders, as Gobert is known for his discretion regarding his personal life. The couple received many congratulations and well-wishes from their followers, friends, and fellow NBA players. Gobert’s former teammate Donovan Mitchell was among the first to send his best wishes. Others, including Trey Lyles, Austin Rivers, and Emmanuel Mudiay, also joined in celebrating the couple’s joyous news.
- Some fans and media outlets also speculated that Gobert and Bonilla might be engaged or planning to get married soon, as Bonilla was seen wearing a ring on her left hand in some of the photos. However, neither Gobert nor Bonilla have confirmed or denied these rumors.
Recent News on Rudy Gobert
- Gobert has been making headlines for more than just his pregnancy announcement. He has also been involved in some controversial and humorous incidents on and off the court. Here are some of the recent news on Rudy Gobert:
- On August 3, 2023, Gobert scored his first career three-pointer while playing for the French national team against Montenegro in a preparatory match for the FIBA World Cup. Gobert, who had never made a three-pointer in his 10-year NBA career, had a hilarious reaction to his milestone. He said “Tonight, I feel like I lost my virginity” in a post-game interview.
- On April 9, 2023, Gobert was suspended for one game by the Timberwolves after throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout in the second quarter of their final regular-season game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Gobert and Anderson had a heated argument over defense and rebounding, which escalated into a physical altercation. Gobert was escorted to the locker room and then sent home by the team. He later apologized to Anderson and the team in a group chat. Gobert missed the play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which the Timberwolves lost 112-107.
Conclusion
Rudy Gobert is one of the best centers and defenders in the NBA, as well as a proud representative of France in international basketball. He is also expecting his first child with his girlfriend Julia Bonilla, who announced their pregnancy on Instagram in February 2024. Gobert has also been in the news for some other reasons, such as scoring his first three-pointer and punching his teammate Kyle Anderson. Gobert is a complex and fascinating person, both on and off the court.
