In one of the most meaningful and personal interviews he has given to date, Giannis Antetokounmpo briefly set aside his image as a top athlete and spoke about everything that has shaped the person he is today.
As a guest on Anestis Evangelopoulos’s “AnesTEA” podcast on YouTube, the brilliant Greek star shared personal moments from his life, reminisced about the difficult years in Sepolia, discussed his incredible journey to the top of the NBA, and spoke emotionally about his family and his beloved wife, Maraya.
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His relationship with Maraya Antetokounmpo took center stage in the conversation, as he explained that from the very beginning, he had been looking for someone who would love him for who he truly is, and not for his fame or success.
Responding to comments that have occasionally been made about his personal life, Giannis clarified what mattered most to him in choosing his partner.
“I’ve heard people say, ‘Why is Yiannis here with his wife? He could be with a model.’
Guys, I’m with my wife because she tells me the truth, she loves me, and if I’m wrong, she’ll tell me I’m wrong.”
The two-time NBA MVP recalled the first time he saw Mariah, explaining that what made her stand out to him wasn’t just her physical appearance, but mainly her energy and personality.
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“Her aura stood out, just like my mother’s. She had a beautiful smile. She was at the stadium, walking in front of me, and I looked at her and thought, ‘She’s a woman I could see as my wife.’”
He then revealed that, because of his shyness, he didn’t initially dare to speak to her himself and asked a friend to make the first move.
“I’ve always been very shy, so I went and asked a friend of mine to ask for her number. He told me she didn’t want to give it to me because she was seeing someone else, but she’d give me her Instagram.”
As he described it, their relationship developed naturally, and very soon he felt that Maraya had already become part of his family.
He admitted that he’d always been afraid he wouldn’t find someone who would love him for who he is and not for his fame.
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“My concern was whether I’d find a girlfriend who’d be with me for Giannis, for who I am. I really found that—and then some.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo then spoke about the challenges their relationship faced due to the demanding daily routine of a top NBA athlete. In fact, he recalled a trip they took to Santorini, when his professional obligations prevented him from spending time with his wife.
“You’re off doing commercials, and we’ve come to the most beautiful island, yet you’re not spending any time with me. In two days, we’ve spent a total of 42 minutes together,” Mariah had told him at the time.
He explained that from the very beginning, he tried to show her just how demanding the life of an athlete competing in the world’s top league is.
“I didn’t choose this life—this life chose me—but everything has come at once. It was hard for Maraya; she didn’t know the temptations an NBA player faces, but we always had good communication.” He also revealed that, from the very beginning of his career, he had realized that his daily life would change forever.
The conversation wasn’t limited to his personal life.
Giannis reflected on his childhood, talking about the difficulties he faced growing up in Athens and the values his parents instilled in him. “I am a Black Greek. I grew up without money but with the richest family in the world.”
He recalled the financial hardships, his family’s sacrifices, and the daily struggle he endured until he reached the highest level of world basketball.
He also spoke about the experiences he faced due to racism, explaining that all these difficulties made him stronger and shaped his character.
“There are so many kids in Greece right now whose last name isn’t Antetokounmpo, and they’re having a really hard time.”
