By Vasilia Polycarpou, The Sports Financial Literacy Academy
History
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known to many as the Greek Freak, is a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks. His life story reads like an inspirational tale. Giannis managed to defy all odds, rise from extreme poverty, and reach the top. His parents emigrated to Greece from Nigeria and struggled to find steady jobs. Giannis grew up selling things on the streets every day to help his family survive and pay rent.
Following in his parents’ footsteps, who were former athletes in Nigeria, Giannis got involved in basketball. His coach saw great potential in him due to his physique and invited him to join the team. The coach told Giannis that if he tried basketball, he could make money to buy food. This marked the beginning of the journey for one of the greatest basketball players.
His first awards
When Giannis first started playing, he and his brother Thanasis sometimes couldn’t play together because they shared a pair of shoes. Whenever Giannis checked out of the game, he would give his shoes to his brother. In 2013, Giannis was drafted to the NBA and went on to win an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. He also earned several prestigious honours. This included the two league MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, and a finals MVP in 2021.
Giannis is also set to play for Greece in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifying matches and could represent Greece in the Paris 2024 Olympics. He is ranked among the top 10 highest-paid players for 2022-2023. Giannis stands out as the only NBA top earner still in his 20s. The 28-year-old, whose life was turned into a film, also boasts numerous brand partnerships, including with luxury watchmaker Breitling and Nike.
Impact & Activism
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Giannis is known for his social impact and activism. He has addressed racism in soccer and supports greater diversity and inclusion in sports. He actively uses his social media platforms to raise awareness about the need for change and to motivate others. Giannis is also involved in charitable causes, particularly those involving children and their rights.
Charity Work
Giannis and his brothers launched the AntetokounBros Academy in Greece to provide opportunities for underprivileged young adults and children. The academy encourages them to get involved in sports while offering hot meals. In 2018, Giannis partnered with the Milwaukee Bucks and Pick ‘n Save to donate $50,000 worth of food to charities in Milwaukee for Thanksgiving. He also appeared at local food banks, actively handing out meals.
In 2020, Giannis and his family donated 20,000 protective masks to the neighborhood where they grew up in Greece. Giannis stands as the ultimate example of an athlete who inspires and motivates others, not only through his athletic achievements but also through his character. His story offers hope, showing that despite struggles and hardships, dreams come true when you have faith and put in hard work.
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