Childhood and Education Journey of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Giannis Antetokounmpo, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the "Greek Freak," is a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional size, speed, and strength. He currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA and is considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in basketball history. His career is marked by exceptional athleticism and skill, establishing him as a dominant force in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Mother Born

In 2013, Antetokounmpo selected 34 as his jersey number because his mother was born in 1963 and his father was born in 1964, so he combined the last digits of their birth years.

1964: Father Born

In 2013, Antetokounmpo selected 34 as his jersey number because his mother was born in 1963 and his father was born in 1964, so he combined the last digits of their birth years.

December 6, 1994: Giannis Sina Ougko Adetokunbo's Birth

On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ougko Adetokunbo was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents.

Others born on this day/year

December 6, 1994: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Birth

On December 6, 1994, Giannis Sina Ougko Antetokounmpo (né Adetokunbo) was born in Athens, Greece. He is a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Started Playing Basketball

In 2007, Giannis Adetokunbo started playing basketball.

2011: Started playing for Filathlitikos senior team

In 2011, Giannis Antetokounmpo began playing basketball for the senior team of Filathlitikos in Athens.

October 28, 2012: Baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church

On October 28, 2012, Antetokounmpo and his brother Alex were baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church, marking a significant event in their religious upbringing.

May 9, 2013: Issued Greek citizenship

On May 9, 2013, Giannis Adetokunbo was issued Greek citizenship, less than two months before the NBA draft.

2015: Received Nigerian citizenship

In 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his Nigerian passport, obtaining dual citizenship.

July 2016: Mandatory Military Service in Greece

In July 2016, Giannis and his brother Thanasis began their mandatory three-month military service in Greece, fulfilling their obligations as Greek citizens and permanent overseas residents.

September 2017: Death of Charles Antetokounmpo

In September 2017, Charles Antetokounmpo, Giannis' father, passed away at the age of 54, leaving a significant impact on Giannis and his family.

July 16, 2019: Thanasis signs with Milwaukee Bucks

On July 16, 2019, Thanasis Antetokounmpo signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, joining his brother Giannis and marking a significant moment in their professional basketball careers.

March 13, 2020: Donation to Fiserv Forum Staff

On March 13, 2020, Antetokounmpo and his family pledged $100,000 to the staff of the Fiserv Forum, supporting them during the suspension of the 2019-20 NBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 20, 2021: Minority Owner of Milwaukee Brewers

On August 20, 2021, Antetokounmpo became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball, expanding his business ventures into the world of baseball.

August 2022: Partnership with Calamos Advisors

In August 2022, Calamos Advisors announced a collaboration with Antetokounmpo to launch the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund, an exchange-traded fund focused on investing in sustainable firms.

September 2022: Executive Producer for "The Flagmakers"

In September 2022, Antetokounmpo joined National Geographic's documentary "The Flagmakers" as an executive producer, highlighting his commitment to immigrant stories and American values.

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2022: Release of "Rise" film

In 2022, the film "Rise", based on the life of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, was released.

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March 2023: Minority Owner in Nashville SC

In March 2023, Giannis and his brothers became minority owners in the Major League Soccer club Nashville SC, further diversifying their investments in professional sports.

June 2023: Shareholder and Owner of Candy Funhouse

In June 2023, Giannis and his brothers expanded their investment portfolio through Ante Inc. by becoming shareholders and owners of the Canadian online confectionary retailer, Candy Funhouse.

September 2023: Executive Producer of Reality TV Show

In September 2023, Giannis signed on as an Executive Producer of a reality TV show created by Candy Funhouse and the producers of Big Brother, marking his entry into the world of reality television production.

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July 10, 2024: Designated as Greek flag bearer

On July 10, 2024, the Hellenic Olympic Committee designated Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Greek flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with race walker Antigoni Drisbioti.

September 1, 2024: Marriage to Mariah Riddlesprigger

On September 1, 2024, Antetokounmpo married Mariah Riddlesprigger in a private ceremony at the Costa Navarino resort near Pylos, celebrating their union with family and friends.