Among the notable congratulators is Real Madrid soccer star Vinícius Jr., who joined Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho in sending a heartfelt video message to the Oklahoma City Thunder guard.

Vinícius Jr., known for his electrifying style and flair on the soccer field, expressed admiration for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise from relative obscurity to NBA stardom. The Brazilian winger sees parallels between his own journey and SGA’s breakthrough, praising the guard’s skill, work ethic, and leadership. 

Shai’s Remarkable Season and MVP Win

Gilgeous-Alexander capped off a spectacular season by leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, while also contributing 6.4 assists and 5 rebounds per contest. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting over 51% from the field, nearly 38% from three-point range, and close to 90% from the free-throw line.

These numbers helped guide the Thunder to a franchise-best 68-14 record, despite injuries and roster changes. The team is currently competing in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals, holding a 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves after convincing victories in the first two games. This marks the Thunder’s deepest playoff run since 2012, when they last reached the NBA Finals. 

Winning 71 out of 100 first-place MVP votes, Gilgeous-Alexander edged out Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished second and third respectively. At 26 years old, SGA joined an elite group of Thunder players to earn the MVP award, following in the footsteps of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Support from Fellow Athletes

The congratulatory video also featured messages from other sports icons, including NBA veteran Chris Paul, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and the aforementioned Ronaldinho. Chris Paul, who once mentored Gilgeous-Alexander during their time together in Oklahoma City, praised SGA’s selflessness and dedication, emphasizing that the MVP award was a well-deserved recognition of his hard work.

Ronaldinho’s message was particularly heartfelt, celebrating Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishment and wishing him success in the playoffs. The warm reception from such diverse athletes highlights the respect SGA commands across the sports world.

Vinícius Jr.’s congratulations to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exemplify the growing connection between basketball and soccer, two of the world’s most popular sports. As SGA leads the Thunder deeper into the playoffs, the global spotlight on his achievements continues to shine brightly.