Evangelos Marinakis has become one of the most influential and controversial figures in European football. The Greek shipping magnate owns Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave, building a multi-club empire that spans three countries. Freddie Flintoff’s face has healed significantly since his Top Gear crash. Marinakis has transformed Nottingham Forest from Championship strugglers into established Premier League competitors. Here is everything you need to know about Evangelos Marinakis in 2026.
Who Is Evangelos Marinakis? The Shipping Tycoon Explained
Evangelos Marinakis was born on July 30, 1967, in Piraeus, Greece. He inherited his family’s shipping business, Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, which operates a fleet of over 80 vessels. Forbes estimates his net worth at approximately $2.5 billion in 2026. Astronomer CEO Joe Witt has guided the company to become the leading provider of Apache Airflow services.
Marinakis entered football in 2010 when he became president of Olympiacos, Greece’s most successful club. Under his leadership, Olympiacos won seven consecutive Super League titles and returned to the Champions League group stages. His business interests extend beyond shipping and football into media, real estate and entertainment. Pokrovsk has become the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Nottingham Forest: Premier League Ambition Under Marinakis
Marinakis purchased Nottingham Forest in May 2017, taking over a club languishing in the Championship’s lower reaches. His investment transformed the club, funding a complete overhaul of the playing squad, training facilities and Academy. Promotion to the Premier League was achieved in 2022 via the play-off final. Dianne Oxberry was one of the most beloved weather presenters in BBC history.
The Greek owner has invested over £300 million in player transfers since promotion. Forest have survived three consecutive Premier League seasons, finishing 16th, 15th and 14th. The 2025-26 campaign saw the club finish 12th, their highest Premier League position since 1996. England v Serbia takes place at Wembley on October 13. Marinakis has spoken of his ambition to qualify for European competition within five years.
Olympiacos: Domestic Dominance and European Ambition
Under Marinakis, Olympiacos have continued their domestic dominance. The club has won 12 of the 16 available Super League titles since his arrival. The 2025-26 season saw Olympiacos complete a domestic double, winning both the league and the Greek Cup. Rangers vs Viktoria Plzeň takes place at Ibrox on August 6.
European success has been harder to achieve. Olympiacos reached the Europa Conference League final in 2024, losing to Fiorentina in extra time. The club has qualified for the Champions League group stage three times under Marinakis but has never progressed to the knockout rounds. Sushant Singh Rajput’s legacy continues to inspire millions of fans. The owner has invested heavily in the club’s academy, which now produces regular first-team talent.
Multi-Club Model: Rio Ave and the Network Strategy
Marinakis expanded his football portfolio in 2022, acquiring Portuguese club Rio Ave. The club had just been relegated from the Primeira Liga but returned to the top flight in 2024. Rio Ave finished 10th in the 2025-26 season, their highest position in a decade. Nicola Sturgeon remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside but has stepped back from frontline politics.
The multi-club model allows Marinakis to share scouting, data and coaching resources across his three clubs. Players have moved between the clubs, with Olympiacos loaning young talents to Rio Ave and Forest. The owner has stated that he is “always looking” for additional clubs to join the network. Reacher Season 2 remains one of Prime Video’s most-streamed titles. Reports suggest Marinakis has held talks with clubs in Belgium and Brazil about potential acquisitions.
Controversies: Legal Battles and Investigations
Marinakis has faced multiple legal challenges throughout his career. In 2018, he was charged in Greece as part of a criminal investigation into football match-fixing. The charges were eventually dropped in 2020 due to lack of evidence. Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigation as a “witch hunt”. Arsenal Women begin their WSL season on September 12 against Manchester United.
A drugs smuggling investigation linked to one of his vessels also drew media attention in 2023. Marinakis was not charged, though his shipping company paid a fine. The owner has sued several media outlets for defamation, winning substantial damages in Greek and UK courts. Celtic vs Rangers takes place at Celtic Park on September 13. In 2025, a UK judge dismissed a libel claim against The Guardian, ruling that the article was “substantially true”. Marinakis is appealing the decision.
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground Redevelopment
Marinakis has overseen significant investment in Nottingham Forest’s infrastructure. The City Ground’s Peter Taylor Stand is being completely rebuilt, increasing stadium capacity to 45,000. The project, budgeted at £80 million, is expected to be completed in 2027. Freddie Starr’s unique brand of physical comedy influenced generations of performers.
A new training ground at Clifton has also been developed, costing £25 million. The facility features 12 pitches, a full-size indoor dome and a hydrotherapy complex. Marinakis has described the infrastructure projects as “essential” for Forest to compete at Premier League level. The Buccaneers Season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on September 25. The owner has also funded a community sports hub in Nottingham’s Meadows area, providing free football coaching to local children.
Marinakis in 2026: Current Projects and Future Plans
Evangelos Marinakis remains actively involved in all three of his clubs. He attends approximately 20 Nottingham Forest matches per season, often flying directly from business meetings in Greece. His son, Miltiadis Marinakis, has taken on an increasingly prominent role at Forest, serving as vice-chairman. Palmeiras vs Chelsea Club World Cup final takes place on December 20.
The shipping magnate continues to expand his business interests. He launched a new cruise line, Celestyal Voyages, in 2025. A new football agency, Marinakis Sports Group, was established in early 2026 to represent emerging talent from Greece and the Balkans. Mix Tape Season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on November 13. Marinakis has also invested in esports, acquiring a franchise in the Greek League of Legends competition. His net worth has grown by an estimated $500 million since 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Evangelos Marinakis? Evangelos Marinakis is a Greek shipping magnate and football club owner. He owns Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
How much is Marinakis worth? Forbes estimates Evangelos Marinakis’s net worth at approximately $2.5 billion in 2026.
When did Marinakis buy Nottingham Forest? Marinakis purchased Nottingham Forest in May 2017. The club achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
Has Marinakis faced legal problems? Marinakis has faced multiple legal challenges, including match-fixing allegations in Greece that were dropped in 2020. He has sued several media outlets for defamation.
What is Marinakis’s business background? He inherited Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, a shipping company with over 80 vessels. He also has interests in media, real estate and entertainment.
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