ATHENS. Nando De Colo will experience one of the final major moments of his legendary career this weekend. The veteran French point guard for Fenerbahçe acknowledged during the Opening Press Conference of the 2026 Final Four that he approaches with a mix of emotion and motivation what will be his last EuroLeague Final Four appearance before retiring from professional basketball.
"As I've said, it will be my last season. When I had the opportunity to return to Fenerbahçe, I felt it was a great opportunity for me," the Frenchman explained. "I talked a lot with my wife and we were on the same page. We have big objectives with Fenerbahçe and that brings enormous motivation. Being here, at this Final Four, is an incredible feeling."
At 39 years old, De Colo faces the final stretch of a historic career in Europe. The French guard returned to Fenerbahçe last January to begin a second stint with the Turkish club, where he had already played between 2019 and 2022, following his time at ASVEL.
Far from being driven solely by nostalgia, the former EuroLeague MVP insisted he wants to enjoy the experience while keeping his competitive mentality intact. "I remember talking with Chacho Rodríguez about enjoying the final moments. I will enjoy it being Nando De Colo, being serious about my work and maintaining the professionalism I've always had throughout my career," he stated.
Despite physical issues suffered during the season, the Frenchman has continued to show his quality this campaign, averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 assists and a 10.2 efficiency rating in 16 EuroLeague games.
A two-time EuroLeague champion and EuroLeague MVP in 2016, De Colo will end this year one of the most brilliant and successful careers in modern European basketball.