Evangelos Marinakis is a name that resonates not just in Greek business circles, but in the footballing world as well. As the owner of Nottingham Forest and a dominant figure in global shipping, Marinakis has become one of the most influential figures in sports and commerce. With a reported net worth of $3 billion (£2.5 billion), his impact spans industries—and even borders.
A Powerful Heritage and Education
Born on July 30, 1967, in Piraeus, Greece, Evangelos Marinakis, now 57 years old, comes from a distinguished lineage. He is a descendant of the Ypsilantis family, a historical name in Greece tied to both military legacy and maritime commerce. His father, Miltiadis Marinakis, was a well-known shipping magnate and also served as a member of the Greek Parliament.
Determined to build on his family’s legacy, Marinakis pursued higher education in London. He attended the American International University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration and a master’s degree in International Relations. His academic background laid the foundation for his future in global enterprise.
From Shipping Tycoon to Media Mogul
Marinakis began his professional journey by following in his father’s footsteps in the shipping industry. He founded Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, which quickly became a significant force in maritime operations, with a fleet of tankers and container vessels that operate worldwide. This company remains a cornerstone of his business empire.
His success in shipping earned him a spot on Lloyd’s List Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping, a prestigious recognition in the industry. But Marinakis didn’t stop there. He expanded into the media sector, acquiring leading Greek news outlets under the Alter Ego Media group. This move strengthened his influence in Greek public discourse and policy.
Nottingham Forest and Football Ambitions
In May 2017, Marinakis made headlines in the UK when he purchased Nottingham Forest Football Club, one of England’s most storied teams and double European Cup winners. His vision was clear from the beginning: he wanted to return the club to its former glory and help it qualify for European competition within five years.
Under his ownership, Forest saw a dramatic turnaround. Heavy investments were made in players, management, and facilities. By 2021, Marinakis’ ambition bore fruit when Nottingham Forest achieved promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. This was a significant milestone that reinforced Marinakis’ reputation as a transformative football owner.
Marinakis is also the president of Olympiacos FC, the most successful football club in Greece. Under his leadership, Olympiacos has continued to dominate Greek football and remains a consistent contender in European tournaments.
He previously served as Vice President of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) and President of Superleague Greece, further emphasizing his deep involvement in football governance and development.
Legal Scrutiny and Public Support
Despite his professional achievements, Marinakis has faced legal scrutiny. He was investigated for alleged drug trafficking, with inquiries carried out by the Greek Coast Guard, DEA, and Greek judicial authorities. The allegations generated significant media attention and questions from some segments of the public.
However, these investigations did not lead to charges. In 2021, a judge declared that there was no evidence implicating Marinakis, effectively closing the case. Nottingham Forest’s chairman, Nicholas Randall, also issued a public letter in support of Marinakis, affirming that no charges were filed and that the matter had been resolved through the legal system.
This transparency helped restore confidence among Forest fans and the broader football community.
Family Life and Personal Interests
Evangelos Marinakis is married to Athanasia Kassioti, and together they have four children. While the family maintains a relatively private life, Marinakis is known to be a dedicated father. His primary residence is in Athens, but he also owns property in London, positioning him perfectly to manage his UK football operations and attend Premier League matches.
Interestingly, Marinakis has also dabbled in music. He wrote lyrics for the Greek pop singer Natassa Theodoridou, contributing to her 2021 hit song “Excitement” (Eksapsi), which gained over one million views on YouTube within six days of release. It’s a surprising creative pursuit for a man known more for boardrooms and stadiums.
He is also a philanthropist. One notable initiative was his involvement in the UNDP Match Against Poverty in 2010, which raised over $500,000 for disaster relief efforts in Haiti and Pakistan. Recently, he pledged €80,000 annually for 10 years to a museum honoring Greek poet Nikos Kazantzakis, showcasing his commitment to preserving Greek culture.
Final Thoughts
Evangelos Marinakis is a multifaceted powerhouse. With a net worth of $3 billion and influence across shipping, media, football, and philanthropy, he is one of the most compelling figures in European business and sport. His leadership has brought new life to Nottingham Forest, and his ambitions continue to evolve.
Whether you see him in the boardroom, the stadium, or supporting a cultural cause, Marinakis is a man driven by legacy, vision, and impact. His journey from Piraeus to the Premier League is a modern tale of global ambition—and it’s far from over.
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