Remembering Charles Antetokounmpo: Eight Years On from His Passing

By GCT Team

Eight years have passed since the sudden death of Charles Antetokounmpo, the beloved father of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who died of a heart attack on September 29, 2017, at the age of 54.

At the time, the news sent shockwaves through both the Greek and NBA communities. Charles was more than a father figure—he was the quiet pillar behind the extraordinary rise of the Antetokounmpo family, whose journey from humble beginnings in Sepolia, Athens, to global basketball stardom has inspired millions.

Charles and his wife Veronica raised their five sons—Francis, Thanasis, Giannis, Kostas, and Alex—with strength, humility, and resilience. As Nigerian immigrants in Greece, they faced countless challenges, yet Charles remained steadfast in supporting his family’s dreams. When Giannis signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, the family relocated to the United States, continuing their remarkable journey together.

The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation

In 2022, the Antetokounmpo family established the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) in honour of their late father. The foundation reflects Charles’s values of community, generosity, and opportunity, and operates as a global initiative spanning Greece, Nigeria, and the United States.

CAFF focuses on supporting underprivileged communities through programs in education, housing, healthcare, and sports, offering resources to empower young people and families. The Antetokounmpo brothers have described the foundation as a way to “continue our father’s work and keep his spirit alive through giving back.”

One of the foundation’s most notable projects has been its initiatives in Greece, including support for refugee and migrant communities—echoing Charles’s own journey as a Nigerian immigrant raising a family in Athens.

A Legacy That Endures

Today, Giannis stands as a two-time NBA MVP, NBA Champion, and one of the most influential athletes in the world. His brothers have followed their own impressive paths:

• Thanasis plays alongside Giannis for the Milwaukee Bucks.
• Kostas has played in the NBA and continues his professional career in Europe.
• Alex is forging his own path in the professional basketball world.
• Francis, the eldest, has made a name for himself in music and sports.

Throughout their success, the Antetokounmpo brothers often speak about their father’s enduring influence. Giannis has described Charles as his hero, crediting him for instilling humility, discipline, and an unbreakable family bond.

Eight years later, Charles Antetokounmpo’s legacy lives on—not only through the achievements of his sons but also through the work of the foundation that bears his name. His values continue to inspire communities worldwide, including those in Greece and Nigeria.

Read how Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo become first three brothers to win NBA championships