2023 Forbes list, ranks 28 year old Nigerian Greek Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounpo as the 11th Highest Earning Athlete in the world with $87.6 million.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, often referred to as the “Greek Freak,” is a professional basketball player. He was born on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents. Antetokounmpo’s journey to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2013, at the age of 18, Giannis was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 15th overall pick in the NBA Draft. He quickly made an impact with his unique combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. Initially, Antetokounmpo played as a relatively unknown player, but he gradually gained recognition for his exceptional skills.
Over the years, Giannis developed into one of the most dominant players in the league. He stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall with a wingspan of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters), which gives him incredible physical advantages on the court. His ability to handle the ball, drive to the basket, and defend multiple positions made him a force to be reckoned with.
Antetokounmpo’s breakout season came in the 2016-2017 NBA season when he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He continued to excel and became a two-time NBA MVP in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons. During the 2018-2019 campaign, he led the Bucks to the best record in the league and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, falling just short of the NBA Finals.
In the 2020-2021 season, Antetokounmpo achieved the pinnacle of his career by leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years. He played a vital role in the Finals, delivering exceptional performances and earning the NBA Finals MVP award. His dominant play and leadership solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Throughout his career, Giannis Antetokounmpo has garnered numerous accolades, including All-Star selections, All-NBA Team honors, and NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He has consistently been a top-tier player, captivating fans with his highlight-reel dunks, tenacious defense, and overall impact on the game.
Beyond his individual success, Giannis is admired for his humility, work ethic, and dedication to his team and community. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting underserved youth and families both in Milwaukee and Greece.
It is worth noting that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stature as one of the top basketball players in the world has undoubtedly contributed to his financial success. His remarkable on-court performances, including his two NBA MVP awards and NBA championship, have elevated his status and marketability.
Giannis has signed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, which further adds to his earnings. His global popularity, charismatic personality, and philanthropic efforts have also helped boost his reputation and market value.
In December 2020, Antetokounmpo signed a supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, valued at $228 million for five years, allowing him to opt out after the fourth year.
Antetokounmpo has been honored as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, in addition to being named the Defensive Player of the Year for the latter season.
His first MVP recognition led to substantial bonuses from sponsors, including Nike, who renewed their contract with the Greek Freak in 2017. Nike launched the Zoom Freak 1 in 2019, marking the largest initial release of a signature shoe in Nike basketball history.
In 2020, Disney acquired the rights to produce a film based on Antetokounmpo’s life, similar to “The Blind Side.” The movie, titled “Rise,” premiered on Disney+ in June 2022.
Antetokounmpo boasts a roster of sponsors, including Amazon, Breitling, Come Ready Foods LLC, Epic Games, Google, JBL, Meta, Nike, and Unilever, which contributed to his inclusion on the 2023 Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world.
