The Greek national team faces particular challenges at EuroBasket 2025, with aging veterans and limited emerging talent creating urgency for this tournament. Giannis recognizes this might be the final opportunity for key teammates to achieve international success together after near-misses in previous competitions.

Before every major event with Greece, he makes sure his teammates are reminded of what togetherness looks like. It is not about speeches or locker room chants, but something far more tangible. Each time the team gathers for a run at history, Giannis leaves a small mark that sparks conversation about what is coming.

This week, the gesture returned. @hellenicbf posted on Instagram that “Giannis Antetokounmpo for one more year was… true to his habit just before the departure of the National team for a big event.” Every player and staff member received a pair of Giannis Freak 7 “Night Shift” sneakers, a special edition release. The caption added that his wish was for teammates to be “well-dressed and to give a boost to the great effort at EuroBasket 2025”. This marks the third consecutive year Giannis has maintained this tradition.

The Freak 7 “Night Shift” edition is not just another shoe drop. Designed with glow-in-the-dark outsoles and a stealth black-and-infrared colorway, the sneaker reflects the late-night work Giannis is known for. Nike built it around his game, with Air Zoom cushioning for quick bursts and a traction pattern that spells out “ANTETOKOUNMPO” across the sole like a skyline graphic. Priced at €125, these shoes represent both practical footwear and symbolic investment in team unity.

Giannis has spoken in the past about pride in carrying his country’s jersey, and others see it too. Spain’s Santi Aldama said of him: “You can see it’s different when he plays for his country. He takes a lot of pride in playing for his country”. The gifts tie into that larger picture. Setting the mood before the grind of EuroBasket officially begins. His teammates know that once the ball tips, he will be the same player giving everything on the floor. And that takes us to the other part of this story, where Giannis’s sacrifices become the talking point.

The sacrifice behind the glory

Italian veteran Nicolo Melli described it best: “Giannis is for sure an incredible player. First of all for the physical impact that he has on the game. He’s very consistent about it. And even though he is one of the best players in the world, he is very humble for how he plays. He always brings it. He plays with technique for sure but to bring this kind of energy every game means you are ready to sacrifice your body for the team.” Melli’s words highlight what makes Giannis so unique, blending star power with a willingness to grind for every possession.

That mindset shows up in the way others describe him. Greece captain Kostas Sloukas noted: “He has already achieved many things in his career, but still he is the first guy who comes to the locker room and he’s the last guy to leave the court.” France’s young talent Zaccharie Risacher added, “His approach is special. He was inspiring growing up.” These are not empty compliments. They are observations from those who see his work ethic up close, proof that his so-called sacrifice is not just about body contact during games but about constant preparation behind the scenes.

Opponents also recognize how that sacrifice translates to the court. Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic said: “You can’t make mistakes against him because he punishes you all the time.” Finland’s Lauri Markkanen added: “He has some tricks in his bag that makes it really hard to guard.” Put together, these views paint Giannis as both unstoppable and willing to exhaust himself to lead Greece. The ritual of gifting sneakers before the tournament ties perfectly into that reputation. It shows he invests in his teammates off the court while preparing to give everything on it, body included. And that is why his ritual and his sacrifice are both central to the story of Greece at EuroBasket 2025.