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NBA Players Who Love Manchester United

It is not unusual for athletes to cross lines between sports. After all, they have an athletic spirit and they already know what it takes to climb to the top. That’s why they appreciate each other, no matter how different the sport is.
In this case, we have the collision of NBA and soccer, which according to NBA legends, these sports have more in common than you might think.
Even the betting side of both sports has some similarities. Learning how to bet on basketball might give you a few ideas on waging markets for soccer.
There are many NBA players who are soccer fans, but what about Manchester United? The Reds might not have had much success in the Premier League in the past couple of years, but everyone remembers the good old days when they were unbeatable.
We’ve seen many athletes in both sports sharing interest in different teams, and they often showcase their support on social media. There is something special when you see a star from a different sport showing appreciation for another sport. Their impact is huge, and can often lead to supporters of that athlete becoming fans of the team their favorite athlete supports.
But what are some popular NBA names that show support for the Reds?
Well, there aren’t many that publicly said that they support Manchester United, but we also managed to find some big names that aren’t afraid to show their support.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

We start with a big one – Giannis Antetokounmpo the iconic Greek and Nigerian player that plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is one of the greatest power forwards of all time, and he earned his nickname “Greek Freak”.
His 2021 season was his best, winning the NBA championship and becoming an NBA Finals MVP.
But how did Giannis end up supporting Manchester United? Well, it runs in his blood and it isn’t a coincidence. He was born in Athens, Greece, as a son of immigrants from Nigeria.
His mother was a high jumper in Nigeria, and his father was a soccer player, which is why he shows such an appreciation for the sport.
But how do we know that he actually supports Manchester United? Well, we’ve seen Marcus Rashford on his trip to the United States in 2022 where he linked with Giannis Antetokounmpo. He and Marcus posted a couple of photos on Rashford’s Instagram, and they’ve also swapped signed shirts.
Who’d know that Giannis would be a fan of the Reds? I’d assume that he supports Olympiacos since he was born in Greece.

Draymond Green

Draymond Green, known for his fiery personality and leadership on the court with the Golden State Warriors, has also been vocal about his love for Manchester United.
Green's affinity for the club is no surprise given his penchant for being involved in competitive and high-stakes environments.
One of the most iconic photos from Green is with Jose Mourinho as he swapped photos with the legendary trainer at the time he was in charge of Manchester United.
Green's enthusiasm for Manchester United often pops up on social media, where he doesn’t shy away from celebrating their victories or expressing frustration during tough losses. His passion for the club is as intense as his defensive plays in the NBA, making him a notable figure among Manchester United’s NBA fanbase.

Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball, the talented guard for the Chicago Bulls, has also thrown his hat in the ring as a Manchester United fan. While Lonzo is more reserved compared to Green, his support for the Red Devils is steady and unwavering. Ball’s connection to soccer might seem unusual to some, but it’s a testament to the global appeal of Manchester United.
Ball has been seen sporting Manchester United gear and occasionally tweets about their matches. His laid-back demeanor contrasts with the intensity of Green, but his support is just as genuine. It’s always fascinating to see a basketball player, especially one with Ball’s skills and following, rooting for a football team with such history.

Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac, the Croatian center playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, brings an international flavor to this trio of NBA Manchester United fans. Zubac’s European roots naturally draw him closer to football, and his choice of Manchester United aligns with his appreciation for the sport's rich heritage.
He and Lonzo Ball also managed to visit United’s training session at UCLA, and it was a day that they learned more about professional soccer.
Zubac's support for Manchester United is often showcased through his social media channels, where he shares highlights and reacts to games. His perspective as an international athlete adds another layer to the understanding of why Manchester United’s influence spans continents and sports.

Final Words

These are some of the athletes who have already shown support for Manchester United publicly, but this doesn’t mean that they are the only ones. After all, basketball and soccer might be two entirely different sports, but athletes always show appreciation for each other.

 

 

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