Alpha Diallo has been named the 2025-26 EuroLeague Best Defender after anchoring AS Monaco’s defense throughout the regular season.
The award, voted on by EuroLeague head coaches, recognizes Diallo’s impact as one of the competition’s most versatile and consistent defensive players.
The Monaco forward built his case through production and efficiency, finishing second in the league in steals at 1.34 per game while starting all 38 regular-season contests.
Diallo also contributed 11.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, reinforcing his value as a two-way player within Monaco’s system.
His defensive profile stood out across multiple metrics, particularly in one-on-one situations and switching schemes.
According to Synergy Sports data, Diallo allowed just 0.844 points per possession, the best mark among EuroLeague forwards.
He also held ball-handlers to 0.706 points per possession in pick-and-roll defense, placing him among the top 20 players in that category.
Those numbers translate directly to team success, as Monaco forced 13.2 turnovers per game, the fourth-highest rate in the league.
The French club also ranked fifth in opponent performance index rating (91.1) and averaged 6.8 steals per game, further highlighting its defensive identity.
Diallo’s ability to guard multiple positions gave Monaco flexibility in coverages, allowing them to disrupt offensive rhythm and generate transition opportunities.
His combination of length, lateral quickness and anticipation made him effective against both perimeter creators and interior threats.
Monaco finished the regular season 22-16, good for eighth place in the standings and a postseason berth.
The team’s defensive structure, built around Diallo, played a central role in securing that position in a tightly contested table.
The voting results reflected a competitive field behind Diallo.
Nicolo Melli of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul finished second, while 2024 winner Thomas Walkup of Olympiacos Piraeus placed third.
Walter Tavares of Real Madrid, a three-time winner, ranked fourth, followed by Jerian Grant of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in fifth.
Diallo joins a distinguished group of defenders who have shaped the EuroLeague’s identity.
Dimitris Diamantidis holds the record with six Best Defender awards, while Kyle Hines and Walter Tavares each earned the honor three times.
