- Giannis shared his experiences growing up in a Nigerian household in Greece, noting a harmonious blend of both cultures in his upbringing
- He emphasized his strong connection to Nigeria while appreciating the European influences in his life
- Antetokounmpo’s story is a powerful testament to embracing a dual heritage in building a successful career
In a recent appearance on the ’48 Minutes’ podcast, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the powerhouse behind the Milwaukee Bucks, opened up about the rich tapestry of his heritage. Though born and raised in Greece, where he has also represented the national team in basketball, Giannis underlined a fundamental truth — that his roots lie deeply embedded in Nigeria.
Delving deeper into his roots, the Bucks’ star acknowledged the deep-seated Nigerian values and principles that shaped him, courtesy of his family’s heritage and upbringing. “I have the values and principles of Nigeria,” he asserted on the podcast, highlighting the dual influences in his life stemming from his African heritage and European upbringing.
Recognizing the synthesis of cultures that defined his formative years, he observed, “After all, my parents are Nigerian, and I grew up in such an environment. Of course, I was born in Greece, I grew up in Greece, with the European mentality, so I have information from both sides.”
Indeed, this duality plays out prominently in his personal and professional life, showcasing a seamless blend of Nigerian and Greek cultures that shapes his worldview and approach to the game. “At the end of the day, everyone knows that I am Nigerian. I have this culture. In the summer I also went there with my mother, and I met my relatives. I was born in Greece, I have played with Greece, but we all know that I am Nigerian, African,” the basketball star emphasized, pointing to a conscious reconnect with his African lineage during visits to Nigeria.
Sharing a reflective note, the 28-year-old added, “I think my values and principles are probably my Nigerian side because whenever I went home, my parents are Nigerian, so we grew up in a Nigerian household. But the way I operate it’s a little bit Greek, it’s a little bit European because I went to school and most of my friends are Greek and European.”
As Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to carve out a legacy in the NBA, his acknowledgment of his deep-rooted Nigerian heritage offers a poignant insight into the life and psyche of a player who embraces the richness of dual heritage, marrying the best of both worlds in a narrative of success forged across continents.
Giannis Antetkounmpo Got Greek Passport When He Was 18-Year-Old
Giannis Antetokounmpo, globally renowned as “The Greek Freak,” is a beacon of excellence in the world of basketball. Despite being born and raised in Athens, Greece, Giannis faced a formidable obstacle in his youth – he was stateless due to the Greek nationality law following the principle of “jus sanguinis,” which considers parentage over place of birth for citizenship eligibility.
Consequently, neither Giannis nor his brothers were granted Greek citizenship at birth due to their Nigerian descent, a fact mirrored by their upbringing in a Nigerian household where the native Igbo language was predominantly spoken.
It was not until the age of 18 that Giannis was finally able to officially call Greece his home, when he was granted Greek citizenship on May 9, 2013, a crucial development that came just months ahead of the pivotal 2013 NBA Draft. This event did not just mark a milestone in Giannis’ personal life but carved the pathway for his ascendancy in the world of basketball, allowing him to showcase his incredible talent on the grandest stage, the NBA.
The process of acquiring his Greek passport wasn’t devoid of controversy, as it coincided with a period of heightened anti-immigrant sentiments in Greece. Despite the resistance, with the supportive nudge from the Greek basketball federation and the endorsement from the prime minister, Giannis’s application was fast-tracked, laying the foundation for his historic journey in the NBA, where he continuously honors his dual heritage, resonating as a figure of Greek pride while never forgetting his Nigerian roots.
This vital document unlocked doors, not just within the boundaries of Greece, but on the international landscape, as Giannis embarked on a career that would soon see him become one of the most revered figures in basketball, all while bearing the nickname that proudly highlights his Greek heritage.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Family Tree
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the famed basketball superstar, hails from a family steeped in athletic prowess and camaraderie. Born in Greece to Nigerian immigrants Veronica and the late Charles Antetokounmpo, both of whom were athletes, Giannis and his brothers adopted a spirit of dedication and hard work. Francis Antetokounmpo is the eldest of the five Antetokounmpo brothers. While his siblings pursued basketball, Francis carved out a career as a professional soccer player, playing in Nigerian and Grecian leagues before retiring.
His second oldest brother, Thanasis, shared early basketball years with Giannis in the Greek team Filathlitikos and was later drafted into the NBA, enjoying a notable stint with teams including the New York Knicks before reuniting with Giannis in the Milwaukee Bucks.
The fourth brother, Kostas, embarked on his basketball career in the United States, where he showcased his skills at Dominican High School and later the University of Dayton, eventually being drafted into the NBA. He even clinched an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers before moving to play in the French league with ASVEL Basket. Alex, the youngest, is carving out his own path in the sport, with experience in Europe and in the Raptors 905, and now aligning with the Bucks organization through the Wisconsin Herd.
Alongside his notable brothers – Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex – Giannis Antetokounmpo has another sibling named Francis. Francis is actually Giannis’ half-brother from his father’s previous relationship before Charles Antetokounmpo married Giannis’ mother, Veronica. Francis stayed in Nigeria with his mother when the rest of the family moved to Greece. He has a background in soccer, inheriting athletic prowess from his father, who was a former professional soccer player.
Giannis shares his life with partner Mariah Riddlesprigger, a former college volleyball star and now a successful entrepreneur with her clothing line. The couple has two sons named Liam and Maverick, and they are awaiting the arrival of their third child, announced in May 2023, a testament to the expanding Antetokounmpo family tree rooted in love, support, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. The close-knit family showcases a bond that transcends the basketball court, embodied by their shared victories and the uplifting legacy they continue to build with each generation.
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