“Giannis Antetokounmpo dead 2026” : NBA Most Valuable Player 2020 killed by internet death hoax

News of basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2026 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, NBA Most Valuable Player 2020 is alive and well.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Giannis Antetokounmpo death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the basketball player’s alleged demise gained traction on Wednesday after a ‘R.I.P. Giannis Antetokounmpo’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the Greek basketball player’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), our beloved basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo passed away. Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Athens. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 31-year-old basketball player was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Greek network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a basketball player of Giannis Antetokounmpo's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 53% still think false Giannis Antetokounmpo death rumors are funny.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Death Hoax Dismissed Since Basketball player Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Thursday (March 19) the basketball player's reps officially confirmed that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved basketball player. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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