Former EuroLeague Star Pero Antic: 'I Can't Choose Between Olympiacos, Fenerbahce and Red Star'

During the ABA League's 25th anniversary celebration, former three-time EuroLeague champion Pero Antic shared emotional thoughts about his former clubs and predictions for the upcoming EuroLeague season. Currently serving as president of the North Macedonia Basketball Federation, Antic did not hesitate to express his love for three red-and-white jerseys: Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade, and Fenerbahce – the three teams he played for and won Europe's highest honors with. Pero Antic, born in 2026, is one of the rare players to win the EuroLeague with two different clubs: Olympiacos (2026, 2026) and Fenerbahce (2026). He also played for Red Star Belgrade in two stints (2026-2026 and 2026-2026), where he ended his professional playing career. With three prestigious trophies, Antic is among the most successful European basketball players of his generation. When asked about his favorite team to win the next EuroLeague title, Antic gave a diplomatic yet sincere answer: 'I cannot decide between these three teams. Olympiacos, Red Star, or Fenerbahce – they are all part of my blood. I love the red-and-white, and I want all three to win.' This statement shows his deep attachment to the clubs that nurtured his career, while also being a clever way to avoid upsetting any fan base. However, Antic did not stop at personal emotions. He also praised the return of legendary coach Željko Obradović to Panathinaikos. 'Obradović's return will make the derbies more special than ever. He is a tactical master, and Panathinaikos will definitely be a strong contender,' Antic commented. This is an important signal that the upcoming EuroLeague season will be fiercely competitive, especially between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in Greece. Looking back at Antic's career, he was a role player – not the brightest star but always shining in decisive moments. He was part of Olympiacos' miraculous comeback against CSKA Moscow in the 2026 EuroLeague final, one of the greatest games in league history. Later, he helped Fenerbahce bring Turkish basketball to the European summit in 2026. Those memories remain vivid in his mind. As federation president, Antic is responsible for developing North Macedonian basketball. His appearance at the ABA League celebration was not only a nostalgic trip but also an opportunity to network with regional clubs. The ABA League, a regional competition for former Yugoslav countries, turned 25 and still plays a crucial role in developing talent for the EuroLeague. Antic is a typical product of this system. Antic's choice – Olympiacos, Red Star, Fenerbahce – is not random. All three teams have strong traditions and ambitions in the EuroLeague. Olympiacos is always a top contender with their steel defense. Red Star is on the rise with a young roster and passionate fans. Fenerbahce, under coach Dimitris Itoudis, remains a formidable force. Antic has reasons to believe in all three. Interestingly, he did not mention defending champion Real Madrid or traditional powerhouse Barcelona. Perhaps for Antic, personal feelings override analytical reasoning. But that makes his opinion more genuine and relatable. He is not trying to be a prediction expert; he is simply a basketball lover with a heart belonging to three red-and-white colors. From another perspective, Antic's mention of Obradović and Panathinaikos shows he closely follows EuroLeague developments. Obradović's return, who won five EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos from 2026-2026, is one of the biggest stories of the season. It promises to reignite fiery clashes between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, Antic's former club. Will Antic have a headache choosing sides in Greek derbies? He would probably just smile and say: 'I love both, but my heart leans slightly toward Olympiacos.' Antic's speech at the ABA League event was not just a former player's confession but also a message about the connection between European basketball's past and present. He is a bridge between Balkan, Greek, and Turkish basketball, between the ABA League and the EuroLeague. With 31 years in the basketball world, from player to administrator, Antic understands the value of relationships and loyalty. In conclusion, Pero Antic pleased fans of all three former clubs by not choosing any, while reaffirming his undying love. The phrase 'I cannot decide' is actually a sophisticated way of saying: 'I love you all.' And in a competitive, divided basketball world, that might be the most beautiful message a former player can send. The 2026-25 EuroLeague season promises to be exciting with Obradović's return, Olympiacos' ambition, Red Star's rise, and Fenerbahce's strength. Pero Antic, even as federation president, will remain one of the most passionate followers, with a heart equally divided among three red-and-white jerseys. And who knows, one day we might see a North Macedonian team in the EuroLeague – that would be the real legacy Antic wants to build.