Discover the life and legacy of Charles Antetokounmpo, the man who shaped Giannis’ superstar career and whose tragic death nearly ended it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo—a two-time NBA MVP and one of the greatest players of his generation—has always spoken openly about the profound impact of his father.
While fans recognize Giannis for his dominance on the court, fewer know the emotional story of the man who shaped him.
In this article, I explore the influence Giannis' dad, Charles Antetokounmpo, had on his sons and the tragic loss that nearly drove the superstar to walk away from basketball.
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo's dad?
Born in Nigeria in August 1963, Charles Antetokounmpo relocated to Greece with his wife, Veronica, to provide their children with a better life.
Before settling in Athens, Charles was a professional soccer player in Nigeria—an athletic background that clearly influenced the Antetokounmpo brothers.
He and Veronica worked tirelessly to support the family, taking on various jobs while encouraging their children to chase their dreams in both sports and education.
Growing up, Giannis and his brothers always saw their father as a symbol of strength, humility, and perseverance.
How tall was Giannis' dad?
Giannis Antetokounmpo's father's height was approximately 6'0" (183 cm)—a detail fans often mention when discussing the "genetic gifts" inherited by Giannis and his equally athletic brothers.
Even without towering height, Charles's support and athletic mindset shaped the environment that allowed Giannis to grow into one of the best power forwards of all time.
Giannis' father's influence on him
Before becoming an NBA superstar, Giannis dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps.
Growing up in Greece, he admired his dad’s soccer skills and aspired to become a professional player just like him.
It wasn't until later, when he and his older brother Thanasis were introduced to basketball, that Giannis discovered a new passion.
Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Credit AP Photo
Nevertheless, his father’s soccer legacy remained a cornerstone of his development, helping build the footwork, agility, and endurance that would later define his dominance on the court.
What happened to Giannis' dad?
Charles Antetokounmpo tragically passed away on September 29, 2017, at the age of 54.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's dad suffered a sudden heart attack while in Milwaukee, a loss that devastated the entire family.
Charles had been their emotional anchor—a role model whose sacrifices and resilience carried his children through years of hardship in Greece.
For Giannis, the tragedy was a profound turning point that changed the course of his life both on and off the court.
In 2022, to preserve his legacy, the Antetokounmpo family established the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) in honour of their late father.
Reflecting Charles’s values of community and opportunity, CAFF operates globally across Greece, Nigeria, and the United States.
The foundation empowers underprivileged families through education, housing, healthcare, and sports.
By supporting projects like Athens’ migrant initiatives—which mirror Charles’s own journey—the brothers aim to keep their father's spirit alive through giving back.
Giannis nearly quit basketball after his father's death
The loss of Charles weighed heavily on Giannis. In a recent documentary, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar revealed that he almost retired entirely after losing his father.
Speaking with People magazine, Giannis admitted the grief was so profound that he considered leaving the sport behind. "I said to my family, 'I don't want to play anymore,'" Antetokounmpo recalled.
Even his wife, Mariah Riddlesprigger, believed her husband was ready to walk away from the game he loved. "I thought he was done," she said in the trailer for his Prime Video documentary.
Giannis explained that he felt lost without his father, struggling to find motivation in a world where his greatest supporter was gone.
However, through time, reflection, and the support of his family, he eventually rediscovered his purpose. Instead of quitting, he chose to dedicate the rest of his career to his father's memory.
How Giannis honored his father's legacy
Rather than allowing grief to consume him, Giannis transformed his pain into strength, recommitting himself to both his sport and his family.
He often emphasizes that the traits he is most proud of—humility, generosity, and hard work—come directly from his father. Charles taught him to respect everyone and remain grounded, regardless of his success.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Every time Giannis takes the court, he carries his father's legacy with him; his relentless drive and passion are a tribute to honoring Charles and fulfilling the dreams they built together.
You might also find these stories interesting:
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
About author
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.