The match between Brazil x Paraguay has an illustrious presence: the basketball player and one of the NBA stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo, from Milwaukee Bucks. But why was he in the game? Who is the player? Sporting News shows.
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Who is antetokoumpo?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a professional basketball star, born in Athens (Greece) on December 6, 1994, son of Nigerian immigrants. He plays as a pivot wing (sometimes pivot) for the team Milwaukee Bucks In the NBA, from being selected in 2013 as the 15th overall choice of the draft.
Nicknamed “Greek Freak” due to its extraordinary size combination (2.11 m), speed and skill with the ball, Giannis quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league.
In 2024, he won the NBA Cup with the bucks and was named the tournament MVP. He also had the honor of being one of Greece’s flag bearers at the Paris Olympic Games. In the 2024–25 season, it keeps impressive averages of more than 30 points, almost 12 rebounds and more than 6 assists per game, with more than 60% of throwing.
Before reaching the NBA, Giannis had a difficult childhood, helping the family selling objects on the streets of Athens. He only obtained Greek citizenship in 2013, just before going to the United States. Still, it also maintains Nigerian citizenship.
In addition, three of his brothers – Thanasis, Kostas and Alex – also became professional basketball players.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the brothers on the lawn of Neo Chemistry Arena before Brazil x Paraguay. The NBA star won a Corinthians basketball shirt.
📸 @Geglobo | @eroliveira_ pic.twitter.com/NfzHSETcFv
– Football Planet 🌎 (@futebol_info) June 10, 2025
Why is Giannis in Brazil x Paraguay?
Giannis is in Brazil to vacation after the NBA dispute. The Greek was also present at Ibirapuera Park for the inauguration of a court.
At Neo Chemistry Arena, Giannis received a shirt from Corinthians before the match and rehearsed some embassies.
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Brazil x Paraguay: time and where to watch
- South American Qualifiers – 16th Round
- Data: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Time: 9:45 pm (from Brasilia)
- Transmission: Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV), with relay at Globoplay (streaming)
