Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Giannis, often hailed as the “Greek Freak,” has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the NBA.
Born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrants, Giannis’s journey from selling goods on the streets to becoming an NBA superstar is a testament to his resilience and hard work.
You can follow Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo |
| Nickname | The Greek Freak |
| Birth Date | December 6, 1994 |
| NBA Draft | 2013, 1st Round, 15th pick |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Current Team | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Debut Year | 2013 |
| Height | 6’11” (2.11m) |
| Weight | 243 lbs (110 kg) |
| Birthplace | Athens, Greece |
| Nationality | Greek/Nigerian |
| College | – |
| Religion | Greek Orthodox |
| Current Net Worth | $120 million |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Wife | Mariah Riddlesprigger |
| Instagram Profile | @giannis_an34 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrants Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo.
His parents had moved from Lagos, Nigeria, three years before his birth, leaving their firstborn son, Francis, under the care of his grandparents.
Early Life
Born to Nigerian immigrants Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo in Athens, Greece, Giannis and his family faced the challenges of poverty and the fear of deportation due to their status as undocumented immigrants.
Their situation was compounded by the fact that they were stateless; Greece did not grant them citizenship by birthright.
This lack of legal status made it difficult for his parents to find steady work, so Giannis and his brothers sold various items on the streets to help support the family.
From an early age, Giannis was industrious, selling goods on the streets of Athens from six or seven to help his family. The Antetokounmpo brothers shared a single pair of shoes for their basketball games, highlighting the extent of their financial struggles.
Early Career
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s early career began in earnest when he started playing basketball at 13. His talent was quickly recognized, and just three years later, he joined Filathlitikos, a professional team in Greece.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 11 inches (2.1 meters), Giannis’s physical attributes, combined with his speed, made him a standout player and drew the attention of NBA scouts.
In December 2012, shortly after turning 18, Giannis signed a four-year deal with Spanish club CAI Zaragoza, which included NBA buyouts after each season. However, he never played for Zaragoza, as the Milwaukee Bucks spotted his potential.
Professional Career
After being drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft, Giannis Antetokounmpo embarked on a professional career that would see him evolve from a promising young talent to one of the league’s most dominant forces.
In his rookie season, he offered a glimpse of his potential, with Giannis averaging 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. However, his work ethic, athleticism, and versatility hinted at the superstar he was destined to become.
The 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons were particularly noteworthy in Giannis’s career, as he won back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.
The 2020-21 season, however, would be a defining moment in Giannis’s career and the history of the Milwaukee Bucks. After overcoming multiple series deficits, the Bucks reached the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns.
Giannis delivered one of the most dominant Finals performances in NBA history, culminating in a 50-point explosion in Game 6 to clinch the championship.
He was named the Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game for the series. This achievement earned Giannis his first NBA championship and cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Girlfriend
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s girlfriend is Mariah Riddlesprigger. Mariah Riddlesprigger founded a clothing brand called Sincerely, Mariah, and she has a degree in sports management from Rice University.
They are engaged and have three children: sons Liam Charles and Maverick Shai and daughter Eva Brooke.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Net Worth Details
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth is estimated to be $120 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional basketball player, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a 5-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks worth $228,200,420, which includes $228,200,420 guaranteed and an annual average salary of $45,640,084.
In the 2023-24 season, Antetokounmpo will earn a base salary of $45,640,084, with a cap hit of $45,640,084 and a dead cap value of $45,640,084.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
| 2013/14 | Milwaukee Bucks | $1,792,560 |
| 2014/15 | Milwaukee Bucks | $1,873,200 |
| 2015/16 | Milwaukee Bucks | $1,953,960 |
| 2016/17 | Milwaukee Bucks | $2,995,420 |
| 2017/18 | Milwaukee Bucks | $22,471,911 |
| 2018/19 | Milwaukee Bucks | $24,157,304 |
| 2019/20 | Milwaukee Bucks | $25,842,697 |
| 2020/21 | Milwaukee Bucks | $27,528,088 |
| 2021/22 | Milwaukee Bucks | $39,344,900 |
| 2022/23 | Milwaukee Bucks | $42,492,492 |
| 2023/24 | Milwaukee Bucks | $45,640,084 |
Endorsements
Giannis Antetokounmpo has many endorsement deals that contribute significantly to his net worth.
His major brand endorsements include:
- Nike: Giannis has a lucrative contract with Nike, which includes his signature shoe line, the “Zoom Freaks.”
- Anheuser-Busch InBev: He is sponsored by this global beverage and brewing company.
- Come Ready Foods LLC: Giannis has an agreement with this company, which provides protein bars, sports drinks, and snacks.
- Gr. Sarantis S.A.: A personal care and household company.
- Greek From Greece Cafe Cuisine: A restaurant chain.
- Mytilineos S.A.: An industrial company.
- TCL (Technology Group Corp): A multinational electronics company.
- JBL: Giannis is the face of this audio electronics company.
- Hulu: A subscription video-on-demand service.
- Tissot: A Swiss luxury watchmaker.
- Kronos Foods: A company specializing in Mediterranean foods.
- 2k Sports: A video game publisher.
- T-Mobile: A wireless network operator.
- BMO (formerly BMO Harris): A bank based in Chicago with deep Milwaukee roots.
- Breitling: A Swiss watchmaker.
- Degree: A brand of antiperspirant.
- Google Pixel: Google’s line of consumer electronic devices.
- Milko: A Greek milk brand.
- Amazon: A multinational technology company.
- Epic Games: A video game and software developer and publisher.
- Meta: A technology conglomerate known for its social media services.
- Unilever: A multinational consumer goods company.
Career Stats
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| 2013-14 | 6.8 | 4.4 | 1.9 |
| 2014-15 | 12.7 | 6.7 | 2.6 |
| 2015-16 | 16.9 | 7.7 | 4.3 |
| 2016-17 | 22.9 | 8.8 | 5.4 |
| 2017-18 | 26.9 | 10.0 | 4.8 |
| 2018-19 | 27.7 | 12.5 | 5.9 |
| 2019-20 | 29.5 | 13.6 | 5.6 |
| 2020-21 | 28.1 | 11.0 | 5.9 |
| 2021-22 | 29.9 | 11.6 | 5.8 |
| 2022-23 | 30.8 | 11.2 | 6.4 |
FAQs
1. What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s background and early life story?
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo. His family faced significant hardships as they struggled with poverty and uncertain immigration status in Greece. Without legal status or work permits, his parents found it difficult to secure stable jobs. From age 6 or 7, Giannis helped support his family by selling items on the streets of Athens, including watches, sunglasses, CDs, and DVDs. Despite these challenges, he began playing basketball for the youth teams of Filathlitikos in Athens, which eventually led to his professional career.
2. What major accomplishments and awards has Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved in his NBA career?
Giannis Antetokounmpo has built one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. He’s a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020), NBA Champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), and NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020). He also led the Bucks to win the NBA Cup in 2024, earning NBA Cup MVP honors. Antetokounmpo has been selected to nine consecutive NBA All-Star games (2017-2025), serving as team captain four times. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in league history, and won the Most Improved Player award in 2017.
3. What physical attributes and playing style make Giannis Antetokounmpo stand out in the NBA?
Standing at 7’0″ (213 cm) tall and weighing 243 pounds (110 kg), Giannis Antetokounmpo possesses an extraordinary combination of size, speed, and strength that earned him the nickname “Greek Freak.” He’s incredibly versatile, capable of playing multiple positions including power forward, center, and even point guard at times. His remarkable career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game showcase his all-around abilities. He made NBA history by becoming the first player to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
4. What personal values and character traits is Giannis Antetokounmpo known for off the court?
Despite his fame and fortune, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains remarkably humble and grounded. He’s known for emphasizing that money and success aren’t what truly matter in life, stating: “You do not need money, or anything else, to be okay.” Giannis maintains strong connections to both his Greek and Nigerian heritage, carrying his family’s values with him throughout his career. He’s also demonstrated social consciousness, notably when he and the Milwaukee Bucks protested the police shooting of Jacob Blake by refusing to play, sparking similar actions throughout the NBA. His approach to fame has been to remain authentic despite the pressures of celebrity.
5. What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s current financial status and career earnings?
As of 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth is estimated at approximately $120 million. He’s currently playing under a five-year, $228 million supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks that he signed in 2020, earning an average annual salary of about $45.6 million. His career NBA earnings exceed $236 million. Beyond his NBA salary, Giannis has secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands including Nike (with his successful “Zoom Freak” signature shoe line), JBL, and Hulu. His financial success has placed him on Forbes’ list of the World’s Top-10 Highest Paid Athletes in both 2022 and 2024.
