Nikola Jokic given heroes' reception as fans celebrate Olympic bronze medalists at glitzy bash in Serbia

Nikola Jokic received a hero’s reception as he returned home to Belgrade after leading Serbia to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Serbia beat South Sudan and Puerto Rico in the opening round and fought past Australia in the quarterfinals. However, the United States shattered their dreams of gold medal glory in the semifinals. Yet, a win on Saturday sealed bronze medal status for Jokic and Co.

The 29-year-old helped his compatriots earn an Olympic medal by adding 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 93-83 win over Germany. The victory was sweet revenge for their 2023 World Cup final defeat.

Jokic and the Serbian nationals landed in Belgrade early Sunday morning after returning from Paris.

The Eagles, as they're proudly known, won silver in the 1996 and 2016 Olympics. Tens of thousands of enthusiastic flag-waving fans greeted them in the capital as they continued to celebrate their third Olympic podium finish.

In a video posted on X, fans can be seen chanting "MVP… MVP." The Serbian superstar also appeared to enjoy himself, smiling and even reciprocating the love with kisses to the crowd.

In another video posted to the team's official account, Coach Svetislav Pesic was seen dancing alongside his players.

Tennis star and Olympic gold medalist Novak Djokovic was also at the event. The reception occurred at Belgrade’s Old Palace, where Serbian athletes have been celebrated for the past 30 years.

Nikola Jokic went viral for being drunk on the Olympic podium

Nikola Jokic was at the center of online discussion after appearing drunk during Serbia's Olympic bronze medal ceremony.

He also appeared unsteady on his feet during the ceremony while playing with his teammates who were awarded medals. He struggled to maintain balance while posing for photographs.

In another post on X, the 2023-24 NBA MVP appeared even more inebriated, shirtless and blushing, with a golden chain displaying his jersey number (15) around his neck.

The three-time NBA MVP winning his second Olympic medal solidified his status as the greatest ever in the eyes of many Serbians.

Drafted by the Nuggets in 2015, the Serbian center has spent his entire NBA career in Denver. In 2023, he led the Nuggets to their first title by defeating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

Jokic was named the 2021, 2022 and 2023 regular season NBA MVP. He has also earned six All-Star selections and five All-NBA honors.