Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo, is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player known for his unmatched athleticism, versatility, and relentless work ethic. Playing as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, Giannis has achieved global fame as one of the league’s most dominant players. A two-time MVP and NBA Champion, he has redefined the power forward position with his ability to score, rebound, and defend at an elite level. Nicknamed the ""Greek Freak,"" Giannis is admired for his humility, inspiring journey, and commitment to his team and family.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s upbringing in Greece and his dedication to basketball shaped his rise to becoming one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

• Born Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo.
• Grew up in the Sepolia neighborhood of Athens, where his family faced financial hardships, often selling items on the streets to make ends meet.
• The family faced significant challenges as immigrants in Greece, with Giannis and his brother Thanasis helping their parents by selling watches, sunglasses, and handbags on the streets to make ends meet.
• Developed a love for basketball in his early teens, practicing tirelessly on local courts with his brothers and displaying a natural talent for the game.
• Overcame challenges related to his family’s immigration status, as they lived as undocumented immigrants in Greece, a struggle that fueled his determination to succeed.
• Joined Filathlitikos, a Greek basketball team, where he honed his skills and began attracting attention from international scouts for his unique combination of size, speed, and skill.
• Declared for the NBA Draft in 2013 and was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the beginning of his professional career in the United States.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s family and upbringing have profoundly shaped his identity, values, and basketball career, reflecting a rich blend of Greek and Nigerian heritage.

• Born to Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, immigrants from Nigeria. His father, Charles, was a soccer player, and his mother, Veronica, was a high jumper.
• Giannis is one of five siblings. He has two older brothers, Francis and Thanasis, and two younger brothers, Kostas and Alex, all of whom have pursued professional sports careers, with Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex also playing basketball.
• His father, Charles, passed away in 2017 at the age of 54, leaving a lasting impact on Giannis. In honor of his parents, who were born in 1963 and 1964, Giannis wears the number 34.
• Giannis began dating Mariah Riddlesprigger in the mid-2010s. They welcomed three children: Liam, born in February 2020; Maverick, born in August 2021; and Eva, born in September 2023.
• The couple married in a private ceremony on September 1, 2024, in Greece, with Bucks teammate Khris Middleton serving as the best man.