At the luxurious ‘W’ hotel in Costa Navarino, Greece, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger celebrated their wedding on August 31, 2024. NBA star LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Greece national team coach Vassilis Spanoulis, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis were among the high-profile guests who attended the three-day celebration. The celebrations kicked off with a white dress party on Friday followed by a Nigerian-themed celebration on Saturday, and the main ceremony on Sunday. Despite the glory, Giannis shared an emotional moment with his mother on social media.

Giannis’ mother Veronica Antetokounmpo shared her unique way of celebrating her son’s wedding. She shared her shoes from the wedding. Giannis approved this as he shared them on his Instagram story. The post resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into Giannis’s celebration of this milestone. She shared an image of her custom Nike Giannis Freak 6 shoes, designed in a striking blue with Giannis and Mariah’s names beautifully inscribed on the sole. She captioned the post: “BEAUTIFUL🤩!” This personal touch not only highlights the joy and significance of his wedding day but also symbolizes the deep appreciation for the love and support of his family.

This thoughtful detail underscores the emotional significance of the wedding and Giannis’s gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. The couple have been together since 2014 and are parents to three children—Liam, Maverick, and Eva. During the wedding, Giannis’ focus shifted to another high-stakes pursuit that blends his passion for basketball with his collector’s spirit.

Amidst these personal milestones, Giannis’s relationship with his family, especially his mother, Veronica, remains a cornerstone of his life. She has been instrumental in his journey from Greece to NBA stardom, reflecting the deep-rooted support and love that has shaped his career and personal achievements.

“A colleague right next to me” – Giannis talks about his special bond with his mother

After immigrating from Nigeria to Greece in 1991, Giannis’ mother Veronica, and his late father Charles faced the challenges of being undocumented migrants and struggled financially. Despite these hurdles, Veronica played a crucial role in supporting her children’s dreams.“She’s been a colleague right next to me”, says Giannis reflecting their deep connection. “She always saw the future in us, she always believed in us. She was always there for us. She is the foundation of this family. You are my true hero,” Giannis said about his mom.

In 2014, when the family moved to the U.S. after Giannis was drafted into the NBA, Veronica played a key role in helping him adjust. Giannis acknowledged her support, noting, “My mother is doing everything else.” This included facilitating his transition, handling bills, driving him to the airport, and helping him adjust to his new life in Milwaukee.

Veronica’s dedication extended beyond the court. After Charles’s sudden death in 2017, Veronica continued to be a pillar of strength. Giannis shared his grief, noting, “Losing someone who’s been there since Day 1. Especially for our family, because we’re so close.”

Her influence also extends to the family’s philanthropic efforts. The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, co-founded by Giannis and his siblings, supports refugees, youth, and various communities. Giannis has credited Veronica’s unwavering belief in their potential as a driving force behind their success.