BREAKING NEWS: Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Officially Announces His Retirement From National Basketball Association NBA at Age 38, Concluding a Storied NBA Career Spanning Over Two Decades With Iconic Moments, Stanley Cup Glory, Olympic Gold, and a Resilient Late-Career Stint With the Kentucky —The head coach Leaves the Ice for the Final Time as One of the Game’s Most..Read More

In an emotional press conference today, Milwaukee Bucks legend Giannis Antetokounmpo officially announced his retirement from the National Basketball Association at age 38, drawing the curtain on one of the most storied careers in league history.

Spanning over two decades, Antetokounmpo’s career transformed him from a lanky, little-known teenager from Athens to one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Nicknamed “The Greek Freak,” he leaves the game with a legacy built on dazzling athleticism, relentless work ethic, and unshakable loyalty to Milwaukee.

“Basketball has given me everything,” Antetokounmpo told reporters, fighting back tears. “The Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, and especially the fans—you made Milwaukee my home forever. I’m forever grateful.”

Drafted 15th overall in 2013, Giannis developed into a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Defensive Player of the Year, and an NBA Finals MVP. His crowning achievement came in 2021, when he led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years, scoring 50 points in a Game 6 performance for the ages.

Over the years, he became an 18-time All-Star and climbed into the NBA’s all-time scoring and rebounding leaderboards, cementing his status among the game’s immortals.

Beyond the NBA, Antetokounmpo represented Greece on the world stage with pride, helping lead his national team to multiple FIBA tournaments. Though he fell just short of Olympic gold, he was lauded for elevating Greek basketball and inspiring a new generation of European stars.

Giannis famously signed supermax extensions to stay with Milwaukee, refusing to chase “superteams” in larger markets. His loyalty won the city’s eternal love—and transformed the Bucks into a consistent championship contender throughout his career.

Antetokounmpo thanked his family—especially his brothers, many of whom also played professionally, and his parents who emigrated from Nigeria to Greece. He credited them for his work ethic, humility, and love of the game.

While Giannis did not reveal specific post-retirement plans, he hinted at remaining involved with basketball and giving back to the community. “I want to help kids, in Greece, in Milwaukee, everywhere,” he said. “I want them to dream even bigger than I did.”

As the press conference ended, the packed room gave him a standing ovation—fitting for a player who not only dominated on the court but redefined what loyalty, passion, and heart mean in professional sports.