Giannis Antetokounmpo Channels Arsenal Magic with Iconic Striker Celebration on NBA Court
Viktor Gyökeres's iconic mask celebration has become one of football's most recognizable gestures, but it crossed into basketball territory Tuesday evening when NBA sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased it.
Antetokounmpo guided the Bucks to triumph against the New York Knicks. Following a late-game score, the NBA superstar and international icon honored the Arsenal striker by performing the distinctive celebration.
🫱🫲 pic.twitter.com/BRM27tlndG
This isn't the initial occasion "The Greek Freak" has performed the mask gesture. During the previous season, while Gyökeres was prolific in front of goal at Sporting CP, Antetokounmpo executed the celebration in November 2024.
The Swedish forward has since transferred to the Premier League and now spearheads the attack for Mikel Arteta's squad. Across 14 matches for Arsenal, Gyökeres has netted five goals while continuing his adjustment to English football.
Notably, Antetokounmpo has frequently acknowledged his passion for football and revealed that Arsenal was his childhood team of choice.
Antetokounmpo: Deep Down I'm Still an Arsenal Fan
Game recognize game 🫱🫲@Giannis_An34 🤝 @viktor_gyokeres pic.twitter.com/gEQZvjHLVJ
Previously, the two-time NBA MVP has confessed that football was his initial sporting passion and that he once aspired to become a professional player on the field instead of the basketball court.
He also revealed his Arsenal allegiance during his youth, particularly due to his admiration for Gunners icon Thierry Henry.
"I watched plenty of football growing up, my father played the sport," Antetokounmpo stated in 2020. "Football dominated our household. Arsenal was my preferred club and Thierry Henry was my favorite player."
When Antetokounmpo guided the Bucks to their first NBA championship in almost five decades in 2021, his boyhood hero ensured to offer congratulations.
We surprised @Giannis_An34 with a special congratulatory message from his childhood idol, @Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry: pic.twitter.com/HPOKJwBTkX
Eventually, Antetokounmpo also confessed to developing an appreciation for Paris Saint-Germain, particularly during former MLS standout Zlatan Ibrahimović's tenure with the team. Nevertheless, despite attempting to conceal it, his genuine loyalty remains in north London.
"But still, deep down I'm an Arsenal fan," Antetokounmpo declared.
Antetokounmpo alongside fellow Arsenal enthusiasts will anticipate witnessing Gyökeres perform his trademark celebration when the Gunners travel to Burnley on Saturday seeking to extend their advantage at the Premier League summit.