Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Iliana Rupert is a French professional basketball player who represents the Golden State Valkyries in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on July 12, 2001, in Sèvres, France, she comes from an accomplished basketball family. Her late father, Thierry Rupert, represented the French national basketball team, her mother, Elham Rupert, has been an important influence throughout her career, and her younger brother, Rayan Rupert, is an NBA player.
Beyond her basketball achievements, Iliana Rupert’s family life has attracted considerable attention. She is married to French professional basketball player Mathis Dossou-Yovo, and in May 2026, her pregnancy was publicly confirmed. From her husband’s basketball career and her journey toward motherhood to the lasting influence of her parents and younger brother, Rupert’s family story reflects athletic ambition, personal resilience and a strong commitment to honoring her father’s legacy.
Iliana Rupert’s Husband: Who Is Mathis Dossou-Yovo?
Iliana Rupert is married to Mathis Dossou-Yovo, a French professional basketball player who has competed in France’s top basketball division.
According to French basketball publication BeBasket, Rupert and Dossou-Yovo have been married since December 2023. Their relationship was also confirmed in a February 2024 interview published by Le Quotidien du Sport, in which Dossou-Yovo openly discussed his marriage to the French international.
Unlike many professional athletes who maintain relationships with partners outside the sporting world, Rupert and her husband share a professional understanding of basketball.
Both have experienced demanding training schedules, international competitions and the challenges of building careers in professional sports.
Dossou-Yovo has explained that sharing the same profession helps the couple understand each other’s experiences. They regularly discuss their performances, offer constructive criticism and encourage one another to improve.
He has also spoken about watching his wife’s EuroLeague games and appreciating the technical and competitive demands of women’s basketball.
The couple’s shared commitment to basketball has become an important aspect of their relationship.
Who Is Mathis Dossou-Yovo?
Mathis Dossou-Yovo is a French professional basketball center born on November 6, 2000, in Châteauroux, France.
He developed his basketball skills through the French youth basketball system, including training at the Centre Fédéral de Basket-Ball.
His professional career has included appearances for several French clubs, including Élan Chalon, ALM Évreux, ADA Blois, Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball and Paris Basketball.
Dossou-Yovo enjoyed a particularly successful period with Saint-Quentin, helping the club win the French Pro B championship in 2023.
His performances earned him the Pro B Most Valuable Player award and helped establish him as an important player in French professional basketball.
He subsequently joined Paris Basketball, contributing to the club’s success in domestic competitions.
For the 2025-2026 season, he played for LDLC ASVEL, continuing his career at the highest level of French basketball.
Although Iliana and Mathis compete in different leagues, their common sporting background has helped them maintain a relationship built around mutual understanding and support.
Does Iliana Rupert Have Children?
Iliana Rupert confirmed an important development in her family life in 2026 when her pregnancy became public.
On May 7, 2026, the Golden State Valkyries announced that the French basketball player would be unavailable because of pregnancy. The franchise requested permission from the WNBA to sign a replacement player during her absence.
French basketball publications, including BeBasket and Basket Europe, reported that Rupert was expecting her first child with her husband, Mathis Dossou-Yovo.
The news came shortly after Rupert helped Fenerbahçe win the 2026 EuroLeague Women championship.
Her pregnancy meant that she would miss the 2026 WNBA season and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with France.
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase publicly supported Rupert’s decision to take maternity leave, emphasizing that the organization remained committed to her and valued her place within the team.
As of now, there is no independently verified public announcement establishing whether Rupert has given birth or confirming her child’s name, gender or birth date.
Therefore, while her first pregnancy is publicly confirmed, further details about her child should not be assumed without reliable information.
Who Are Iliana Rupert’s Parents?
Iliana Rupert’s parents are Thierry Rupert and Elham Rupert. Her father was a professional basketball player who represented France internationally, while her mother has worked in education and property management.
Basketball played an important role in the Rupert household from an early age. Both parents understood the demands of competitive sports, and Iliana grew up attending basketball games and spending time around professional athletes.
However, the family experienced a devastating tragedy in February 2013 when Thierry Rupert died following serious heart complications.
Iliana was only 11 years old, while her younger brother, Rayan, was eight.
Following their father’s death, Elham became the central source of support for both children, helping them continue their education and pursue basketball careers.
Iliana Rupert’s Father: Thierry Rupert
Thierry Rupert was Iliana Rupert’s father and a respected French professional basketball player.
Born on May 23, 1977, in Gonesse, France, Thierry developed into a talented power forward known for his defensive abilities and contributions to several major French basketball clubs.
During his professional career, he represented teams including Limoges CSP, Paris Basket Racing, Strasbourg, Pau-Orthez, Élan Chalon, Le Mans and JDA Dijon.
He also earned 35 appearances for the French national basketball team between 2001 and 2004.
Thierry’s basketball career exposed Iliana to professional sports during her childhood. She regularly attended games with her family and developed an early interest in basketball.
Unfortunately, Thierry suffered a serious cardiac emergency in 2012 that left him in a coma for approximately seven months.
He died on February 10, 2013, at the age of 35.
His death had a profound impact on Iliana and her younger brother.
In a July 2024 interview with RTL, Elham Rupert explained that her daughter made a personal commitment to become a professional basketball player after losing her father.
According to her mother, pursuing basketball became a way for Iliana to honor Thierry’s memory and cope with the family’s loss.
Iliana has continued commemorating her father by wearing jersey number 12, the same number Thierry wore during his professional career.
In an August 2024 interview with Le Parisien, she revealed that she carries a photograph of her father in her wallet and keeps a bracelet dedicated to his memory.
His legacy remains an important source of motivation throughout her basketball career.
Iliana Rupert’s Mother: Elham Rupert
Elham Rupert is Iliana Rupert’s mother and one of the most influential figures in her personal and professional life.
Following her husband’s death in 2013, Elham raised Iliana and Rayan while helping them continue their education and sporting development.
She has worked as an economics and management teacher in secondary schools in the Sarthe region of France. She has also been involved in property and asset management.
In an April 2025 interview with Basket Europe, Elham explained that she had played basketball herself, although not at an elite professional level.
Her familiarity with the sport helped her understand the challenges facing both children as they progressed through France’s basketball development system.
She frequently attended their games, provided emotional guidance and helped them manage the demands of competitive sports.
As Iliana and Rayan moved abroad to pursue professional opportunities, Elham traveled internationally to maintain her close relationship with them.
Her support became particularly important as Iliana competed in Europe and the WNBA while Rayan pursued his NBA ambitions.
Elham has also emphasized education. Despite Iliana’s early basketball success, she encouraged her daughter to continue studying and developing interests outside professional sports.
In interviews, Elham has expressed pride in both children’s accomplishments while explaining that she wants them to build their own identities rather than be defined exclusively by their father’s career.
Iliana has repeatedly acknowledged her mother’s importance, describing her as one of the greatest sources of inspiration in her life.
Iliana Rupert’s Siblings: Meet Her Younger Brother Rayan Rupert
Iliana Rupert has one publicly documented sibling, her younger brother Rayan Rupert.
Born on May 31, 2004, in Strasbourg, France, Rayan is also a professional basketball player and has competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Growing up, Iliana and Rayan shared a close relationship shaped by their family’s basketball traditions and the loss of their father.
Both developed their skills within the French basketball system before pursuing international professional careers.
Rayan Rupert: Iliana Rupert’s Brother and NBA Player
Rayan Rupert is Iliana Rupert’s younger brother and a French professional basketball player.
Like his sister, Rayan developed a passion for basketball during childhood and eventually joined the Centre Fédéral de Basket-Ball at INSEP, one of France’s leading athletic development institutions.
After progressing through the French youth basketball system, Rayan moved to New Zealand to join the New Zealand Breakers for the 2022-2023 season.
His performances attracted attention from NBA scouts, particularly because of his height, defensive abilities and long wingspan.
In June 2023, the Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 43rd overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Rayan subsequently began his NBA career with Portland, later playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. He joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2026.
Despite competing professionally in different countries, Rayan and Iliana maintain a close relationship.
In a July 2024 RTL interview, their mother described Iliana as extremely protective of her younger brother, occasionally behaving almost like a second mother to him.
The siblings have also supported each other’s basketball development.
In an interview published by Basket Europe in 2021, Iliana explained that she helped Rayan with technical basketball advice, while their mother provided additional mental and emotional support.
Both siblings have worn jersey number 12 to honor their late father, Thierry Rupert.
Their achievements in the WNBA and NBA represent an important continuation of the Rupert family’s basketball legacy.
Iliana Rupert’s Extended Family and Martinique Heritage
Iliana Rupert’s family has strong connections to France and the Caribbean island of Martinique through her father’s family background.
Thierry Rupert had Martiniquais roots, and Iliana has spoken publicly about maintaining a connection to the island.
In a February 2021 interview reported by Basket Europe, she discussed the enthusiasm she experiences when visiting Martinique and the importance of athletes representing the island internationally.
Her family heritage has helped shape her understanding of identity, representation and the responsibilities that come with becoming a professional athlete.
Although she was born in metropolitan France, Iliana has continued recognizing her Caribbean family connections throughout her career.
How Iliana Rupert’s Family Influenced Her Basketball Career
Iliana Rupert’s basketball journey began at an early age. Growing up in a household connected to professional basketball gave her access to sporting experiences that many young athletes do not encounter.
She began playing organized basketball as a child and progressed through regional French basketball programs.
Her development accelerated when she joined the Centre Fédéral at INSEP, where she competed against some of France’s most talented young players.
In 2017, Rupert helped France win the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship and received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
She subsequently earned recognition at the 2018 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, establishing herself as one of Europe’s leading young prospects.
Her performances helped her secure a professional opportunity with Tango Bourges Basket in France.
At Bourges, Rupert developed into a versatile frontcourt player capable of scoring inside, rebounding and shooting from long range.
She won consecutive EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year awards and established herself as an important member of the French national team.
In 2021, the Las Vegas Aces selected her with the 12th overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
She joined Las Vegas in 2022 and became a WNBA champion during her rookie season.
Following the victory, Rupert contacted her mother and brother to celebrate the achievement, demonstrating how closely her professional successes remain connected to her family.
She later played for the Atlanta Dream before being selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft.
Rupert also represented France at the Olympic Games, winning bronze at Tokyo 2020, held in 2021, and silver at Paris 2024.
In 2025, she made an important contribution to Golden State’s inaugural WNBA season, averaging career-high numbers in scoring and rebounding.
She subsequently helped Fenerbahçe win the 2026 EuroLeague Women championship before announcing her maternity leave.
Throughout these achievements, her parents’ influence and her relationship with Rayan have remained central to her personal story.
Iliana Rupert’s Family Life and Maternity Leave in 2026
The year 2026 marked an important transition in Iliana Rupert’s personal life.
After winning the EuroLeague Women championship with Fenerbahçe, she prepared to begin another WNBA season with the Golden State Valkyries.
On April 12, 2026, Golden State announced that it had signed Rupert to a new multi-year contract.
However, on May 7, the franchise confirmed that she was pregnant and requested a replacement contract for the upcoming season.
The announcement meant that Rupert would temporarily step away from professional competition to focus on maternity.
The Valkyries organization publicly expressed its support for her, with head coach Natalie Nakase emphasizing the importance of ensuring Rupert felt valued and secure during her absence.
For Rupert and her husband, Mathis Dossou-Yovo, the pregnancy marked a significant new chapter in their family life.
Although details about the baby’s arrival have not been reliably confirmed publicly, the announcement represents an important personal milestone for the French basketball couple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iliana Rupert’s Family
Who is Iliana Rupert’s boyfriend?
Iliana Rupert is married to French professional basketball player Mathis Dossou-Yovo. The couple’s marriage has been publicly documented since 2024.
Who is Iliana Rupert’s husband?
Her husband is Mathis Dossou-Yovo, a French professional basketball center who has played for several prominent French clubs, including Saint-Quentin, Paris Basketball and LDLC ASVEL.
When did Iliana Rupert get married?
French basketball publication BeBasket reports that Iliana Rupert and Mathis Dossou-Yovo have been married since December 2023.
Does Iliana Rupert have children?
Iliana Rupert’s pregnancy with her first child was confirmed in May 2026. As of now, no reliable public announcement has established whether the baby has been born or disclosed the child’s name or birth date.
Who is the father of Iliana Rupert’s baby?
French basketball reporting identifies her husband, professional basketball player Mathis Dossou-Yovo, as the father of the child she was expecting in 2026.
Who are Iliana Rupert’s parents?
Iliana Rupert’s parents are Thierry Rupert and Elham Rupert. Her father was a French international basketball player who died in 2013, while her mother has worked in education and property management.
Who is Iliana Rupert’s father?
Her father was Thierry Rupert, a former professional basketball player who represented the French national team and competed for several major French clubs.
What happened to Iliana Rupert’s father?
Thierry Rupert died on February 10, 2013, at the age of 35, following complications from a serious cardiac emergency in 2012.
Who is Iliana Rupert’s mother?
Her mother is Elham Rupert, a former amateur basketball player who has worked as an economics and management teacher and in property management.
How many siblings does Iliana Rupert have?
Iliana Rupert has one publicly documented sibling, her younger brother Rayan Rupert.
Who is Iliana Rupert’s brother?
Her brother is Rayan Rupert, a French professional basketball player who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft and later joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why does Iliana Rupert wear number 12?
Iliana Rupert wears jersey number 12 to honor her late father, Thierry Rupert, who wore the same number during his basketball career.
Where is Iliana Rupert from?
Iliana Rupert was born on July 12, 2001, in Sèvres, France. Her family also has roots in Martinique.
How old is Iliana Rupert?
Born on July 12, 2001, Iliana Rupert is 25 years old as of now.
Which WNBA team does Iliana Rupert play for?
Iliana Rupert is contracted to the Golden State Valkyries. She missed the 2026 WNBA season because of pregnancy.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
