October 10, 2025, 9:19 p.m.
Valériane Ayayi, the tenacious captain of the French women’s national basketball team, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Alain-Gilles trophy. This award, established in 2015, annually recognizes the top French basketball player of the year. Ayayi now joins an esteemed list of past winners, succeeding her national team teammate, Gabby Williams.
The Alain-Gilles Trophy is a meaningful honor in French basketball, with its jury comprising 25 influential figures, including Philippe Ausseur, president of the National Basketball League (LNB), and former French men’s team captain Nicolas Batum. This year, the jury’s focus landed on the exceptional performance of Ayayi, a standout winger for USK Prague in the Czech Republic. Ayayi has been a cornerstone for USK Prague since 2022, leading them to multiple Euroleague successes.
Ayayi’s victory is a testament to her impactful play,notably her stellar performance during the Final Six tournament in Zaragoza. Averaging 16 points and 4.7 rebounds, she was a driving force for her team. this season also saw her club, USK Prague, secure their third consecutive championship title, further solidifying Ayayi’s status as a dominant force in European basketball.
Wembanyama’s Shadow and a Reign of Female Excellence
As one of the most coveted individual accolades in French basketball,the Alain-gilles Trophy has seen a notable trend in recent years. Ayayi,a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,had never before claimed this award. Her win marks a continuation of female dominance, as she follows in the footsteps of Gabby Williams.
In the final standings,Ayayi secured the top spot with 162 points,having been cited as the top choice by eleven jury members. She edged out the promising young French international, Nadir Hifi, who led Paris to a championship title and finished second with 112 points. Rounding out the podium is Guerschon Yabusele, the current captain of the French national team and a player for the New York Knicks, who garnered 88 points.
It’s worth noting that for the past four editions of the Alain-Gilles Trophy, with the exception of Victor Wembanyama’s win in 2023 (marking his final season in France before entering the NBA), the award has exclusively been presented to female athletes. This highlights the growing prominence and exceptional talent of French women in the sport.
