Rudy Gobert, the 7-foot-1 French basketball star, is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top defenders and most dominant rim protectors of his generation. As of 2024, Gobert’s estimated net worth is $60 million, bolstered by massive NBA contracts, international accolades, and consistent performance on the court. Currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gobert continues to make his mark in both American and international basketball.
Early Life and Background
Born on June 26, 1992, in Saint-Quentin, France, Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel is now 31 years old. He comes from an athletic family—his father, Rudy Bourgarel, played college basketball at Marist College in New York and later pursued a professional career in France. After his parents separated when he was three, Rudy remained in France with his mother but maintained a close connection with his father, often visiting him in Guadeloupe.
Gobert began his basketball journey in 2003 with JSC St-Quentin, later joining Saint-Quentin BB. In 2007, he entered the cadet system of Cholet Basket, a major stepping stone in French basketball development. By 2010, he was already representing France in international youth competitions, finishing as the top scorer and rebounder at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.
NBA Career and Rise to Stardom
Rudy Gobert was selected 27th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets and was immediately traded to the Utah Jazz, where he would go on to become a franchise cornerstone. Though he started his NBA journey with limited minutes, his shot-blocking prowess and defensive instincts quickly earned him a starting role.
By the 2014-2015 season, Gobert had broken out, finishing third in NBA Most Improved Player voting. He continued to develop into one of the league’s most feared defenders. Over his career, he has achieved the following:
- 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 6× All-Defensive First Team
- 4× All-NBA Team
- 3× NBA All-Star
- Blocks leader (2017)
- Rebounding leader (2022)
In 2022, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that reshaped both franchises. As of the 2023–2024 season, he continues to anchor the Timberwolves’ defense and plays a vital role in their playoff aspirations.
International Success
Rudy Gobert is also a central figure on the French national team, contributing to their global success in various tournaments. His international accolades include:
- Bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup
- Bronze medal at EuroBasket 2015
- Silver medal at FIBA Europe U20 (2012)
- Bronze medal at FIBA Europe U20 (2011)
In 2019, he was honored as the French Player of the Year, a recognition of his growing legacy both at home and abroad.
Contracts and Career Earnings
Rudy Gobert’s financial profile is as impressive as his basketball resume. His first major payday came in 2016, when he signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz. In December 2020, he took it a step further, signing a five-year, $205 million extension, making it one of the largest contracts for a center in NBA history.
Interestingly, Gobert turned down a “supermax” deal—which would have paid an additional $20 million—opting instead for a contract structure he believed was more balanced for the team and his career goals.
To date, Gobert has earned over $176.2 million in salary alone, and with multiple years left on his current deal, that number is expected to exceed $250 million before retirement. His average annual salary is currently $41 million, placing him among the highest-paid centers in the league.
Net Worth Overview
Gobert’s net worth is estimated at $60 million as of 2024. This figure includes:
- NBA contracts and salary earnings
- Endorsement deals (though he is not heavily commercialized, he does have regional partnerships in France and Europe)
- Real estate investments and savings
- Bonuses and international competition earnings
Unlike many American NBA stars, Gobert has managed to maintain a relatively low profile when it comes to luxury and lifestyle, focusing on health, performance, and philanthropy.
Personal Life and Public Image
Though Rudy Gobert keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight, he has been involved in both controversy and redemption. On March 11, 2020, Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, an event that effectively shut down the entire NBA season. A day prior, he had jokingly touched microphones at a press conference, an incident that went viral and was widely criticized.
To make amends, he donated $500,000 to COVID-19 relief efforts, including contributions to affected arena employees and healthcare services in Utah, Oklahoma City, and France.
This gesture helped shift public sentiment, and Gobert has since focused on rebuilding his reputation through performance, community involvement, and leadership on and off the court.