Charles Antetokounmpo's bio and details: Everything about the father of the Antetokounmpo brothers

Charles Antetokounmpo's bio and details: Everything about the father of the Antetokounmpo brothers

Grace Waruguru
May 7, 2023 at 10:18 AM

Charles Antetokounmpo is the father of several sporting legends, including Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Nigerian national worked hard to earn his family a decent lifestyle, and his legacy is evident in the successful careers his children boast today. Here is everything you should know about Charles' life and details.

Charles Antetokounmpo children
Three of the Antetokounmpo brothers, Thanasis (L), Kostas (Centre) and Giannis (Right) after a game at Fiserv Forum on November 23, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images

Although Charles Antetokounmpo did not live to see his children become who they are today, he left a permanent mark that has shaped their lives and careers. Who was the father of the Antetokounmpo brothers?

Charles Antetokounmpo's profile and bio summary

Full name

Charles Adetokunbo Antetokounmpo

Date of birth

August 3, 1963

Place of birth

Lagos, Nigeria

Died

September 29, 2017

Cause of death

Heart attack

Zodiac sign

Leo

Nationality

Nigerian

Ethnicity

Yoruba

Religion

Christian

Spouse

Veronica Antetokounmpo

Children

5

Grandchildren

2

Height

6 feet

Weight

89 kgs

Hair

Black

Eyes

Dark brown

Profession

Professional football player

Charles Antetokounmpo's birthplace

Charles Antetokounmpo was born on August 3, 1963. His birthplace is Lagos, Nigeria, and he was from the Yoruba ethnic group. Charles passed away at 54 years of age in 2017.

What did Charles Antetokounmpo do for a living?

Charles was a Nigerian professional footballer. In 1992, he relocated with his family to Athens, Greece. They did not acquire citizenship immediately, so he could not be formally employed. The former footballer worked odd jobs to fend for his family, including selling handbags, sunglasses, and watches, assisted by his older sons. The family also faced racism challenges.

Charles Antetokounmpo's wife

Antetokounmpo married Veronica Antetokounmpo in Nigeria, where they met. Veronica comes from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria and is a former professional athlete specializing in high jump. When they moved to Athens, she worked as a babysitter.

How did Charles Antetokounmpo die?

News of Charles Antetokounmpo's death spread like wildfire in September 2017. Giannis' father succumbed to a heart attack at his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after being hospitalized for intense chest pains. Medical experts were conducting tests when he died. Charles Antetokounmpo's funeral was held in Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. His age at the time of his death was 54.

Charles Antetokounmpo's children

Antetokounmpo and his wife had five sons, famously known as the Antetokounmpo brothers. They have all followed in their father's footsteps and are pursuing careers in sports. These are his five sons:

1. Francis Antetokounmpo

Francis is the firstborn son of the late Charles. He was born on October 20, 1988. He spent the first few years of his life with his grandmother in Nigeria after his parents relocated to Greece but later joined them. He played soccer and basketball and is also a budding musician.

2. Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The second Antetokounmpo brother, Thanasis, is a professional basketball player born in July 1992. He plays for the NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks and hosts a podcast, Thanalysis. The player was 25 years old when Charles Antetokounmpo died.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (The Greek Freak)

Giannis is the most popular of all the Antetokounmpo brothers, born in December 1994. He is a two-time NBA MVP Award winner (2019 and 2020) and is the only player to attain this feat before turning 26. He plays for the Milwaukee Bucks alongside his older brother.

Giannis is 6 feet and 9 inches tall, taking after his father's tall physique. How tall is Charles Antetokounmpo? The late Charles Antetokounmpo's height in feet was 6 feet.

Charles Antetokounmpo was a grandfather of two boys who are Giannis' sons. Liam Charles Antetokounmpo was born in February 2020, while Maverick Shai was born in 2021. Their mother is Mariah Riddlesprigger, Giannis' partner.

4. Kostas Antetokounmpo

Charles Antetokounmpo
Kostas Antetokounmpo of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 16 game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna at Virtus Segafredo Arena on December 30, 2022, in Bologna, Italy. Photo: Roberto Finizio
Source: Getty Images

On November 20th, 1997, Charles' fourth son came to this world. Like his brothers, Kostas joined the NBA in 2018 after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. He has also played with Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He became the first Greek to win an NBA championship after the Lakers defeated Miami Heat in 2020.

5. Alex Antetokounmpo

The last of the Antetokounmpo brothers is Alex, born in August 2001. He played 15 games for the Toronto Raptors in the 2020/2021 season. In 2022, he teamed up with his brothers Giannis and Thanasis for the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge in Cleveland.

Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (C.A.F.F)

Charles' family jointly runs the Antetokounmpo family foundation, an initiative that partners with individuals and organizations to improve communities and the lives of others, helping them achieve their dreams. According to the official website, the movement was inspired by their father, who taught them that the opportunities they receive are not just to enrich themselves.

Charles Antetokounmpo may not be alive to witness the success of his children, but his legacy undoubtedly lives on through them. His generosity and love for sports lives on, and the future can only be brighter for the Antetokounmpo brothers and their mother.

READ ALSO: Footballers with the most free-kick goals

Sports Brief published the footballers with the most free kicks. A free kick requires precision and accuracy; only seasoned athletes can successfully shoot such. Which individuals have the most free kicks?

Juninho Pernambucano has the highest number (77), followed by the legendary Pele with 70. Other players in the top 10 list include Ronaldinho with 68 and Lionel Messi with 58. Check out the above article for the comprehensive list.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.