Cross-sport comparisons are nothing new in the NBA, as fans and analysts have often tried to connect basketball stars with global icons from other sports.
LeBron James has been compared to Tom Brady for longevity, while Stephen Curry is sometimes compared with Patrick Mahomes for his game-changing skill.
Now, the latest version of this comes straight from Giannis Antetokounmpo and involves the two biggest names in soccer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Recent Comment Regarding Soccer Greats
In the latest episode of the “Gogis Garage” podcast, which is hosted by former NBA player Goran Dragić, Antetokounmpo, who was the guest, opened up about the classic Ronaldo vs. Messi debate. He placed himself firmly on one side as he compared himself to Cristiano Ronaldo.
But he didn’t stop there, as he also stated that 16-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant is more like Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF in MLS.
“For me, I relate more with Ronaldo… I wasn’t like KD. If I were KD, I would say Messi… But I was always work, work, fight. So I think Ronaldo, I can relate more to that when I see his story,” Antetokounmpo said during the podcast.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Antetokounmpo has compared himself to Ronaldo. During the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, he was asked a similar question about the Messi vs Ronaldo debate.
Without hesitation, he had picked Ronaldo. He explained that he relates more to the Portuguese forward’s work ethic and longevity. Even at 41, Ronaldo is still performing at a high level for Al-Nassr. It is something that the “Greek freak” clearly respects.
“But for me, I relate, and I get closer to people that I’m similar to them, like hard work, discipline, take care of your body, be consistent for many years. He’s 41 years old now, right? 41 years old, still playing high level, so my mindset is closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s mindset.”
“Different people, he’s more flashy than me and I’m not like that. But when it comes to the game, the love and the consistency and the hard work and the, you know, push the envelope and keep on getting better, I’m more similar to Ronaldo,” Antetokounmpo said during the interview.
Antetokounmpo himself is known for that same determination. But the 2025–26 NBA season didn’t go as planned for him. Despite averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, he struggled with injuries throughout the year.
A right calf strain and a left knee hyperextension with a bone bruise forced him to miss 49 games. Without their most trusted player for long stretches, the Bucks finished with a 32–50 record and failed to make the playoffs.
Now, the focus around Antetokounmpo has shifted. There is growing speculation about whether he will stay with the Bucks next season or consider a move elsewhere. His idol went from Real Madrid FC to Juventus, then Manchester United, before settling at Al-Nassr. Now, if Antetokounmpo follows the same path of achieving greatness remains to be seen.
