Advertisement
Attention all die-hard romantics! If you’re on the lookout for a new celebrity power couple to fawn over, look no further than Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger. In recent years, basketball sensation Antetokounmpo has skyrocketed to fan-favorite status in the NBA. Originally from Athens, Greece, this young talent made a splash after being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. “I can’t put into words how excited I am to be drafted in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s a dream come true,” he expressed at the time, according to Behind The Buck Pass. Since that pivotal moment, Antetokounmpo has built an incredible career, boasting achievements like an All-Star MVP award and Defensive Player of the Year accolade. He’s even earned the moniker “Greek Freak” for his awe-inspiring skills.
In addition to his remarkable stats on the court, Antetokounmpo has captured hearts with his endearing relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Riddlesprigger. From their playful social media posts to their heartwarming red-carpet appearances, they’ve undeniably become the embodiment of relationship goals. Join us as we delve into the enchanting love story of Antetokounmpo and Riddlesprigger.
Every love story begins with an adorable meet-cute, and for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger, that moment occurred in the mid-2010s. Back then, they were both at the early stages of their careers, with Antetokounmpo in his second year as an NBA player and Riddlesprigger interning for the 76ers. Though the exact start date of their romance remains a mystery, it likely blossomed between May 2015 and June 2016 –– a period that coincided with Riddlesprigger’s internship. Moreover, Antetokounmpo’s Instagram posts have offered glimpses into the early days of their love story. In March 2016, the Bucks star shared a baby picture of Riddlesprigger with the caption: “#everyday.” A few months later, he seemingly confirmed their partnership, posting a photo of them together on December 31, 2016. “Happy New Years from us,” he wrote alongside the image of Riddlesprigger giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Regrettably, earlier photos from the initial phase of their relationship aren’t available on Riddlesprigger’s profile, but it’s not for the reasons you might suspect. In 2020, she took steps to safeguard her privacy by creating a new Instagram account, focusing on her personal journey. “This new Instagram page is solely focusing on my passions, business ventures and uplifting all of my followers,” she explained in her inaugural post. “If you’re here looking for… an inside look at my relationship, unfortunately, those things I’m not willing to share.”
For the initial years of their relationship, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger explored the world and concentrated on Antetokounmpo’s burgeoning NBA career. However, in October 2019, everything changed when Riddlesprigger announced her pregnancy. “MVB ‘Most Valuable Baby’ On His Way,” she announced on Instagram. The post featured a miniature jersey, a stuffed giraffe, and a sign reading: “Baby Fr34k coming soon.” On February 10, the elated couple welcomed their first child, Liam Charles, as reported by TMZ. “My queen. You gave me the greatest gift of life!!” Antetokounmpo gushed on Instagram a few days after Riddlesprigger gave birth.
Yet, the joyous couple didn’t stop at Baby Liam. A little over a year after welcoming their first child, Riddlesprigger disclosed that she was expecting their second in a heartwarming social media post. “My son has taught me more about patience, perseverance and passion in these past 15 months than I have ever known, but most importantly, he’s opened my eyes to my true potential,” she captioned the May 2021 post. “Oh, and I forgot to mention baby #2 is on the way, and I’m in for even more life lessons.” In August 2021, the couple welcomed Maverick Shai into the world, according to the Greek Reporter. Recently, on September 17, 2023, their family grew again with the announcement of the arrival of their first daughter, Eva Brooke. “Daddy’s Little Girl and Brother’s Baby Sister,” the couple joyfully shared in a joint Instagram post.
Since the inception of their relationship, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger have woven a tale of enchantment and wonder. From traversing the globe to embracing the role of proud parents, it’s evident that they’re living the dream. However, with their relationship tracing back to the mid-2010s, many fans have wondered when the two would take the next step and exchange vows. On September 13, the Bucks player put an end to the speculation in the most understated way, casually announcing their marriage plans during a press conference. “Soon [I’m going] to be married to this beautiful woman next to me,” he disclosed while discussing their volunteer work for Milwaukee’s Diaper Mission, People reported.
The publication also noted that Riddlesprigger was wearing a diamond ring at the presser. Just two days after Antetokounmpo’s revelation, the NBA MVP took to Instagram and dropped another hint about their engagement, asking, “Can we spend the next 100 years together.?!?! Comment below if we have a deal.” In response, Riddlesprigger playfully commented: “You’re stuck with me for 100+ 100 more.”
While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger revel in their elevated lifestyle, this inspirational couple also dedicates time to giving back to their community. As previously mentioned, the lovebirds have remained steadfast supporters of Milwaukee’s Diaper Mission. Their association with the non-profit began in November 2021, following the birth of their second son, Maverick Shai. “Through Maverick’s Diaper Mission campaign benefitting Milwaukee Diaper Mission, we are asking for your support so that we can provide more clean diapers to Milwaukee area children and families struggling with diaper need,” Riddlespringger conveyed on Instagram.
In addition to their local efforts, Antetokounmpo and Riddlesprigger extend their charitable endeavors globally. In June 2022, the cherished basketball player and his family launched the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF). Inspired by his late father, Charles, and his determination to support his family, the organization was established to provide resources for refugees, youth education, and widows, according to the CAFF website. In an interview with Andscape, Antetokounmpo shed light on the foundation and his aspiration to make a positive impact on the world. “We did it as a tribute to our father, but not just as a tribute to him,” he expressed. “I know it sounds naive saying we wanted to change the world. But we really wanted to inspire people in every way you can.”
Throughout their love story, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger have made it a priority