Photo Credit: Aaron Gash/Associated Press

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Hearbreaking Tribute To His Late Father

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s parents are Nigerian, but immigrated to Greece, without any official papers, shortly before Giannis was born, in 1994. As illegal immigrants it was impossible for the Antetokounmpos to find a job, leading to the family being very poor and struggling during Giannis’ youth.

Giannis and his brothers had to sleep together in one bed, as the family only could afford staying in 2-room appartments and even had trouble supplying every member of the family with enough food.

 

“It was tough. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had a lot of happiness.”

Even in later stages of their childhood, the family barley had anything. At one point even, Giannis and his brother Thanasis had to wear one pair of shoes during games. They therefore couldn’t play together. When Giannis checked out, he took off his shoes and gave them to Thanasis so he could check in.

To help his family covering the expenses, Giannis started selling stuff on the streets of Athens as a kid. He hustled everything; glasses, watches, CDs and DVDs and claims to have been the best ‘salesman’:

“I was the best… I didn’t give up. I would always keep asking questions. I was cute, too. I was young…”

This hustling, little kid has become the NBA’s MVP. What a story. Unfortunately though, Giannis’ father, Charles Antetokounmpo, hasn’t been able to witness this exceptional feat, after tragically passing away in 2014 due to a heart attack.

Giannis though, plays every day for his dad, and won’t ever forget his father’s sacrifices that led to him chasing his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Giannis now shared his love and admiration for his father in a heart-breaking video tribute, for what would have been his 57th birthday.

I know you are in Heaven proud and smiling down! 🙏🏽❤️ Happy Birthday Daddy. pic.twitter.com/74kzk2ckMG

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 3, 2020