Evangelos Marinakis is a name that has become familiar to football fans across Europe, especially those who support Nottingham Forest. Since taking control of the historic English club in 2017, the Greek businessman has poured millions into its revival, attracting both attention and admiration. But beyond the stadium lights and transfer deals lies a man of vast wealth, diverse interests, and surprising talents.
Who Is Evangelos Marinakis?
Born on July 30, 1967, Evangelos Marinakis is now 57 years old. He hails from the port city of Piraeus, Greece, and is widely known in business, sports, and even music circles. His rise to prominence didn’t happen overnight—he inherited a foundation of success from his late father, Miltiadis Marinakis, a shipping magnate and member of the Greek Parliament.
Evangelos followed in his father’s footsteps but expanded the legacy in his own powerful way. Today, he is best recognized for being a billionaire shipowner, football club owner, media baron, and even a lyricist.
How Much Is Evangelos Marinakis Worth?
There’s a lot of speculation about Marinakis’ exact net worth, and estimates vary significantly. Some financial outlets and sports business platforms suggest his net worth is around £510 million. Others, however, put it much higher, estimating it to be close to $3 billion or £2.5 billion.
Regardless of which figure you believe, it’s clear Marinakis is one of the wealthiest figures in football ownership. His deep pockets have played a vital role in transforming Nottingham Forest, especially in recent transfer windows where the club made an extraordinary number of signings to strengthen their Premier League ambitions.
Football Ownership: Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos
Marinakis became the majority shareholder of Nottingham Forest in 2017. Since then, his financial backing has helped reshape the club, bringing in new players and staff to restore Forest’s top-flight credibility. His leadership has been instrumental in helping the team climb back into the Premier League, a goal that once seemed out of reach.
But Nottingham Forest isn’t his only club. In Greece, he also owns Olympiacos FC, the most successful football team in Greek history. Under his watch, Olympiacos has continued to dominate Greek football and participate regularly in European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Business Ventures: Shipping, Media, and More
Marinakis is the founder and chairman of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, a global shipping company that deals with crude oil, gas, and product tankers. The company is a major player in the global maritime industry, and Marinakis’ leadership has expanded its reach considerably.
Beyond shipping, he has made substantial investments in media. He owns Alter Ego Media, which operates several prominent Greek news platforms, including the influential newspaper “To Vima” and news site “in.gr.”
These ventures collectively form the backbone of his wealth, though his investments in sports and philanthropy show a man interested in much more than just profit margins.
Surprising Talents: Lyricist and Songwriter
While many might assume a man of his stature spends his time entirely on business and sports, Marinakis has a creative side that few expect. He is a lyricist and songwriter, having penned lyrics for Greek pop artist Natassa Theodoridou.
One of his most notable contributions is the song “Excitement” (Greek: Eksapsi), released in February 2021. The track became a smash hit in Greece, garnering over a million views on YouTube in just six days. It’s a lesser-known but fascinating part of Marinakis’ profile that adds artistic flair to his already varied résumé.
Family Life and Homes
Evangelos Marinakis is married to Athanasia Marinakis, and together they have four children. While the couple is known to keep their personal life private, it’s clear that family plays a central role in Marinakis’ life.
His main residence is in Athens, but he also owns a luxurious property in London, making it easier to oversee his interests in the UK, especially those related to Nottingham Forest. His lifestyle reflects his wealth: he owns two yachts, fittingly named Amore Mio and Amore Mio II.
A Generous Philanthropist
Marinakis isn’t just a businessman and football club owner—he is also known for his charitable work. In 2010, he played a key role in organizing the UNDP Match Against Poverty, which successfully raised over $500,000 for the victims of disasters in Haiti and Pakistan.
More recently, he pledged to donate €80,000 annually for a decade to support a museum dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis, one of Greece’s most important literary figures. His consistent support for Greek non-profits highlights a commitment to giving back to his community.
Final Thoughts
Evangelos Marinakis is more than just a wealthy club owner. He is a multifaceted personality—billionaire businessman, football enthusiast, media tycoon, family man, and even a songwriter. His journey from Piraeus to the Premier League is nothing short of extraordinary. And with a net worth possibly reaching £2.5 billion, it’s safe to say that he has both the ambition and the resources to continue shaping the worlds of business and sport for years to come.
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