By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
For the first time after the trade to the Miami Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo made a public appearance and it was at SNF Nostos 2026, an international festival hosted by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens, Greece.
The NBA champion and philanthropist joined Olympic medalist Emmanouil “Manolo” Karalis in conversation with Stavros Niarchos Foundation Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos for a discussion about how the values that drive athletic excellence can also be used to inspire athletes to give back to their communities and create opportunities for the next generation.
At the event, Giannis addressed those present, once again emphasizing that in 2020 he wanted to quit playing basketball.
“First moment when it was tough for me was when I was a kid and when I saw my parents struggle. Second moment was around 2020, when I was dealing with some mental health stuff, I wanted to step away from basketball. I’ve said this in a past, I really like basketball, but I don’t like being famous. I’m more reserved, my brother is different.”
He highlighted that it was his toughest moment and that it shaped him and made him unbreakable.
I had so much load on my shoulders, my dad passed away, I just had a baby, my mom is living with me, I have to be like a father figure to my brother, because we just lost our dad. I had to be one of the best athletes in the world, there was so much pressure on me, I wanted to step away. But I realize that no one can take away the joy from what I do. That moment made who I am today. I’m unbreakable. Better father, better husband, better son, better person.”
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