NBA World Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo may be known for his dazzling dunks and corky sense of humor in post games Press conference.
But did you know that Giannis speak multiple languages?
Find out how many languages Giannis speak, how he learned them and other insights about the “Greek Freak” as he is affectionately called by many fans.
Table of Contents
How Many Languages does Giannis Antetokounmpo speak?
2021 NBA Champion and Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens Greece of Nigerian immigrants.
He and his four brothers grew up under the influence of Greek orthodox and Nigerian (Dad Charles was Yoruba and Mother Veronica is Igbo) culture before moving to America in 2013.
This path led Giannis to become fully fluent in four languages: Greek, English, Yoruba and Igbo.
It was not before summer of 2013 than Giannis became a Greek citizen even though he and three of his brothers were born on Greek soil.
This naturalization is what led to his name change from the Yoruba Adetokunbo to the Greek translation Antetokounmpo.
What is Giannis Primary Language?
Giannis is the third born of his family so by the time he was a toddler, he has two older brothers teaching him Greek, Yoruba and Igbo languages which were spoken in the Antetokounmpo household.
While attending elementary school in Athens, his primary language was mostly Greek while at home, his parents would speak their native Nigerian languages with their sons.
From Greece to America, Giannis Antetokounmpo is becoming an Inspiration for African Youth as dreams do come true.
Giannis father who passed away in 2017 was of Yoruba decent like basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon.
“The Dream” reveals that original family’s name in Yoruba language means “the crown has returned from overseas”.
Does Giannis Speak Greek?
Giannis is fluent in Greek as he was raised in Athens from birth to age 19 when he came to the US.
He attended elementary school and a Greek Orthodox church in Athens with his brothers.
Furthermore, after he received his Greek citizenship in 2013, he started representing Greece in major international basketball tournaments.
Giannis participated in the EuroBasket 2022 with his Greek teammates for six games up to their quarter finals exit at the hand of Germany.
Can Giannis speak French?
Giannis may dabble a little bit in French because his younger brother Kostas Antetokounmpo signed with French team ASVEL to play in the Euro league in 2021.
Maybe soon, we can start enjoying some French jokes from Giannis in his post games entertainment improv.
Is Giannis Fluent in English?
Giannis mastered English from his early days in the NBA in 2014.
Nowadays, he loves speaking English in his post games interview through his own comedy content.
He has a set of pre-pared jokes he enjoys sharing with the medial after they are done asking him their own questions.
Related ===> How many Languages does Luka Doncic speak?
Giannis Antetokounmpo Languages | Summary
Giannis Antetokounmpo can speak multiple languages with various degrees of proficiency.
How many languages does Giannis Antetokounmpo Speak | Level of Fluency |
Greek | Native Language, Fluent |
English | Fluent, professional language |
Yoruba | Perfectly Fluent, Father’s Language |
Spanish | Good Understanding |
Igbo | Perfectly Fluent, Mother’s Language |
French | Basic Understanding, brother Kostas plays for French team ASVEL. |
Giannis Antetokounmpo Full Bio
Giannis full name is Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo.
He has four brothers who also play basketball so they could just form the Antetokounmpo’s Greek team.
FUN FACTS About Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Full Name Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo |
Place of Birth Athens, Greece |
Date of Birth December 6, 1994 (age 27 as of 2022) |
Occupation Professional NBA Player |
Height 6Feet 11 inches / 2.11 m |
Parents Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo |
Spouse / Partner Mariah Riddlesprigger |
Children 2 | Liam Charles & Maverick Shai Antetokounmpo |
His mother Veronica gave his five sons Greek and Nigerian names so that they can keep up with both cultural heritages.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Career Stats
Giannis has won MVP honors in 2019 and 20220 followed by a championship in 2021.
His career stats are continuing to grow each year since his rookie season in 2013-2014 with Milwaukee Bucs.
He currently stands at 21.8 points per games but most importantly, his field goal percentage is a staggering 53.5%.
He averaged less than 50% from the field only in his first two seasons.
What is Giannis Net Worth?
Giannis (comes from Ioannis which means John in Greek) annual salary is north of $45 million.
Thus, he is bound to increase his current net worth of $70 million as reported by the latest analysis from Forbes.
People Also Ask on Giannis Languages
How many brothers do Giannis have?
Giannis has four brothers Francis who was born in Nigeria before his parents migrated to Greece, Thanasis, Kostas and Alex (21 years old as of 2022).
Kostas and Alex Antetokounmpo are younger than Giannis who is the middle of the five brothers.
Why does Giannis Antetokounmpo wear #34?
Another great Basketball legend from Nigeria wore #34 so you may think it is to celebrate Hakeem Olajuwon.
However, the real reason is because Ginnis is honoring his father and mother who were born in 1963 and 1964 respectively.
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wife?
Giannis is not married as of 2022 but has a girlfriend named Mariah Riddlesprigger with who he has two sons.
The first one Liam was born in February 2020 while the second one Maverick Antetokounmpo was born in August 2021.
Certainly, both will be bound to speak as many languages as their father Giannis who is very adamant in cultivating his Nigerian roots.
FINAL THOUGHTS on What Languages does Giannis Antetokounmpo Speak
We answered the question “What languages does Giannis Antetokounmpo speak” by dissecting his path from his native Greece to his NBA stardom in America.
Giannis is an inspiring man who speak at least four languages: English, Greek, Igbo and Yoruba.
The recent bio pic “Rise” will further elevate his achievements as many do not fully know his story yet.
Who speaks more Languages between NBA Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic ?
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