June Mar Fajardo Reigns Supreme Once Again, Claims Record 9th PBA MVP Crown

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by Raymund Tamayo

June Mar Fajardo gets his record ninth PBA MVP award during the 2025 PBA Leo Awards.
June Mar Fajardo gets his record ninth PBA MVP award during the 2025 PBA Leo Awards. Photo: PBA Images. 

At this point, what more can you say about June Mar Fajardo? 

The gentle giant from Cebu has done it again, capturing his ninth PBA Most Valuable Player award, a record that now seems untouchable even by the league’s lofty standards.

Fajardo officially took home the 49th Season MVP plum during the Leo Awards held at Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City, a fitting stage to usher in the PBA’s golden 50th season. As he stood on stage, flanked by legends and peers alike, it was clear: we’re witnessing the sustained brilliance of the greatest player in modern PBA history.

Among those present was four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez, once hailed as the barometer of excellence in Philippine basketball. But even “El Presidente” couldn’t help but smile, perhaps a silent acknowledgment that Fajardo has taken the craft to unprecedented heights. Nine MVPs in a single career isn’t just dominance; it’s a dynasty in one man’s form.

Fajardo’s consistent mastery on both ends of the floor, his leadership within San Miguel Beer’s powerhouse lineup, and his quiet humility off the court continue to set him apart. Despite multiple injuries over the years, “The Kraken” has shown an almost mythical resilience, anchoring SMB’s continued reign as one of the league’s elite teams.

SMB superstar big man June Mar Fajardo.
SMB superstar big man June Mar Fajardo. Photo: PBA Images.

Joining Fajardo in the PBA Mythical First Team were his Beermen running mate CJ Perez, TNT’s versatile forward Calvin Oftana, NLEX star Robert Bolick, and Arvin Tolentino, who recently took his talents overseas to join the Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League.

For fans who’ve followed Fajardo’s journey since his rookie days, this latest milestone isn’t just another trophy — it’s a testament to longevity, discipline, and sheer dominance in a league that never stops evolving.

As the PBA embarks on its landmark 50th season, one truth remains unchanged: June Mar Fajardo continues to define greatness. And as long as he’s lacing up those sneakers, the chase for MVP No. 10 becomes the next great storyline in Philippine basketball.

The Kraken isn’t done yet — not by a long shot.