Before the world knew his name, before the trophies and global fame, Giannis Antetokounmpo was just a boy from Sepolia. He didn’t come from wealth or comfort. He came from love. From two parents who gave up everything in Nigeria to chase a better future for their children. From a home that didn’t always have heat, but always had warmth.
His story is one of struggle, but also of strength, of sacrifice, but also of deep, solid support. To understand Giannis, you have to meet the people who held him up before he could fly. This is their story.
Who Are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Parents? What Did They Do for a Living?
Giannis was raised by Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, both of whom were born and raised in Nigeria. Before their move to Europe, Charles played professional soccer and Veronica excelled as a high jumper. “They worked hard every day to provide for us. That was all I ever saw growing up. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without them. All I know is hard work.” Giannis shared.
Their journey took a sharp turn in Germany. Charles had a shot at reviving his soccer career, but a serious injury cut that dream short. In 1991, they moved again — this time to Greece — in search of stability. But what they found was far from easy. They arrived undocumented and struggled to find work. Charles worked as a handyman. Veronica took up babysitting. “For me and my family, it was kind of a daily struggle. We had to hustle every day to provide a plate of food on our table.”
To help out, Giannis and his brothers sold sunglasses, DVDs, and other small goods on the streets of Athens. “Six months before I came to the NBA, I was selling stuff in the street. My mom was in the market. I used to go help her,” he once said.
Mar 5, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrated with Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (R) against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Their home in Sepolia was modest. The four younger brothers shared a single bed. Charles and Veronica slept in a small den behind a curtain. Yet even in scarcity, they found unity. “It starts with my family. That drives me every day, just seeing them smiling.”
Charles was more than a father—he was a coach and motivator. Giannis remembers how his dad made him nap before every game to stay focused. It became a ritual. Charles passed away in 2017 from a sudden heart attack. The loss shook Giannis to his core. “The only thing he cared about was his kids. We are his legacy. His legacy lives within us, me and my brothers. We take pride in that,” he told reporters, holding back tears. As a tribute, Giannis had “I AM MY FATHER’S LEGACY” stitched into his Nike shoes. He also named his first son Liam Charles.
How Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Carrying His Father’s Legacy Forward?
In 2022, that legacy took another form: the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF). Built on the values Charles lived by—compassion, humility, and empowerment—CAFF supports underserved communities through education, health, and social impact.
One of its standout programs, “Powering Milwaukee Forward,” allocated $1 million in grants to 10 local nonprofits focused on maternal health and basic needs. It also collaborated with NABU to release children’s books in native Nigerian languages and supported initiatives like mental health services and refugee relief.
“We decided as family to come together and build this foundation to [give people] the opportunity to be great.” Giannis said.
Does Giannis Antetokounmpo Have Any Siblings?
Yes — four of them. And while Giannis became the most famous, each of the Antetokounmpo brothers has blazed his own trail.
Francis, the oldest, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1988. He stayed behind with their grandparents when Charles and Veronica left for Europe. Though separated by distance, Francis eventually reunited with the family and went on to play soccer professionally. In recent years, he’s found his passion in music. He released his first single, “Shekosi,” in 2020.
Thanasis, born in 1992, is Giannis’ closest on and off the court. “From where we started to where we are, I’m extremely happy. I’m proud of the journey. I don’t take no moment for granted. I just have to embrace my brother and celebrate him. He’s been supporting me since day one, not just in my basketball career, but as a … He’s always been there for me…,” Giannis said about his brother.
Jul 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) hugs brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns in game two of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thanasis was drafted by the Knicks in 2014 and later joined the Milwaukee Bucks, winning the NBA title alongside Giannis in 2021. His podcast, “Thanalysis,” reflects the family’s values of storytelling and resilience.
Kostas, born in 1997, played college basketball at Dayton before being drafted by the 76ers in 2018. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020—becoming the first Greek-born player to do so. “He’s just my brother, to me. It’s not like he gets big-headed or anything like that. He’s just a humble guy who comes from a humble family. He keeps his head down and works hard,” he once said about Giannis.
Alex, the youngest, born in 2001, played high school basketball in Wisconsin and chose to go pro directly in Europe. His career has taken him through Spain, Lithuania, Montenegro, and now Greece.
The brothers co-founded the AntetokounBros Academy in Greece, a basketball and life skills program for underserved youth. “We want to provide and help society… We want to constantly provide in the game of our lives. The kids of Antetokounbros Academy are us,” Thanasis said.
What Is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Parents’ Nationality?
Charles and Veronica were both born and raised in Nigeria. Their move to Europe was driven by hope, but their roots remained firm.
Giannis was born in Athens in 1994, but because of strict Greek citizenship laws, he remained stateless until 2013—just before being drafted. “My parents couldn’t have friends because they were illegal. Their friends could tell the cops, ‘Come get them.’ So even now that [my parents] are in Milwaukee, it’s tough for them to have friends. Because for 25 years, they’ve lived without having friends,” Giannis once said.
Today, he proudly holds dual citizenship. “I’ve spoken about it. I kind of hate that a lot of people say, ‘He’s not Greek, he’s Nigerian.’ ‘No, he’s not Nigerian, he’s Greek.’ I’m both. I’m both. The same way a lot of people are both, I’m both,” he said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than a basketball star. He is a living example of what faith, family, and fortitude can build. Behind every dunk and every MVP trophy is the story of Charles and Veronica—parents who gave everything for their sons. Behind every trophy are nights selling DVDs, fears of deportation, and a mother’s voice reminding her children of who they are.
“You can just never forget where you came from,” Giannis said, and he came from a tight apartment in Sepolia, filled with hope, love, and the beginnings of a dynasty. The Antetokounmpo family didn’t just survive. They built something lasting. Something global. And it all started at home.
The post Who Are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Parents? Everything to Know About Bucks Star’s Greek-Nigerian Family appeared first on EssentiallySports.
