Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greek national team were in Madrid for a friendly encounter against Spain. One of the biggest young talents in world soccer today took note of his presence in the Spanish capital.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s young gun, did not squander the opportunity to meet the Greek Freak. After Greece’s second friendly match against Spain, the Brazilian soccer sensation met the 2-time NBA MVP. Despite missing the most recent encounter against Spain, Giannis made sure to meet Vinicius and show his admiration for him and Real Madrid.
Giannis to Vinicius: "To my guy, Vini, the best player in the world"
Vinicius to Giannis: "For MVP Antetokounmpo, the best! I am your fan".
Greatness recognizes greatness. pic.twitter.com/uAs4Q6HG1Y
— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) August 11, 2022
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The two young sensations swapped jerseys and posed for pictures. Along with Giannis, his brothers Thanasis and Kostas were present to meet the dazzling winger. The four of them also got a picture clicked with Giannis posting that picture on his social media handle.
Hala Madrid 💪🏾⚡ pic.twitter.com/u5hFZSnDVe
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 11, 2022
Both Giannis and Vinicius have a successful track record in their respective sports. The Greek Freak is a former NBA champion who has twice been named MVP. Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season but were defeated in seven games by the Boston Celtics.
Vinicius is coming off what was perhaps his greatest season as a professional. Last season, he led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and the La Liga crown. He was instrumental in their success as he tallied 22 goals and 20 assists in 52 appearances for his team.
While Giannis is a household name in the league, Vinicius is only scratching the surface of his enormous potential.
Fans were left in splits seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers tower above Vinicius Jr
Given Giannis and his brothers’ towering stature, Vinicius Jr., who is 5-foot-9, looked like a diminutive figure. Fans were in hysterics after seeing the picture as the Antetokounmpo brothers towered over the Real Madrid winger.
Hala Madrid 💪🏾⚡ pic.twitter.com/u5hFZSnDVe
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 11, 2022
Same vibe pic.twitter.com/e5AGVjLCDq
— Duck🇭🇹🇦🇷 (@mwfly10) August 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/iamdababyjnr/status/1558005026722926592
It’s good Kevin Hart got to join you guys
— J Bond 🇲🇱 🇬🇭 🇳🇬 🇨🇲 🇨🇮 🇵🇭🇧🇯 (@CharelstonBlack) August 12, 2022
I don't think I would really like to stay beside any of you guys like wtf!!
Will my height get any taller than vini
— Emmanohis (@emmanohis) August 11, 2022
Giannis isn’t the only NBA player that loves soccer
Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be a big Real Madrid fan. However, he isn’t the only NBA player who loves soccer. Many NBA players have expressed their admiration for soccer.
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Current and former NBA players such as Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Luka Doncic, Pau Gasol, and a few others have previously expressed their love for soccer. Lakers star LeBron James is a big Liverpool fan; however, that’s not where it ends. In fact, the 4-time NBA champion is a minority owner of the English soccer club.
Liverpool minority owner @KingJames wearing their new kit to today's @Lakers game 🔴 pic.twitter.com/O6nBoxBpLI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 5, 2020
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As professional sportsmen, these individuals get along well with other sports stars and are frequently seen rooting for their favorite clubs in stadiums. With all of the hard work that the athletes in both sports have put in to get to this level, there is always mutual respect that shines through.