A public gesture of unity has ended the brief but heated exchange between Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Turkey’s Alperen Şengün following EuroBasket 2025.
Two days after their semi-final clash—where Turkey defeated Greece comfortably—both stars shared an Instagram photo embracing, with the caption: “We play for the love of our countries. We play for the love of the game. We play with respect. Sport is meant to unite us, not divide us.”
The controversy began when Şengün, after Turkey’s victory, called Antetokounmpo “not a great passer” and posted a caption many Greeks viewed as a reference to the 1922 Asia Minor catastrophe: “Wouldn’t this be great weather for a swim?” His remarks provoked strong reactions from Antetokounmpo, Greek coach Vassilis Spanoulis, and fans on both sides.
Giannis, after Greece secured bronze by defeating Finland, told reporters Şengün should “watch my highlights on YouTube.” Şengün later apologized, saying his comments were a “communication mistake” and added, “I have great respect for Greeks. There was no intention to insult.” Giannis also issued a personal apology for an offhand comment made during a live stream after spotting Turkish flags, saying, “I only have respect for Turkey and all people.”
The reconciliation drew praise from fans and commentators who emphasized that professional athletes must set a positive example. Both federations quietly welcomed the move, stressing that toxic rivalries have no place in European basketball. For a tournament that saw Germany crowned champions and Greece returning to the podium, the incident closed with a reminder: even fierce competitors can choose respect over division.
