Evangelos Marinakis is one of the most influential figures in European business and football. Born on July 30, 1967, in Piraeus, Greece, he grew up in a family connected to shipping. His father, Miltiadis Marinakis, was also a shipowner and politician, which gave Evangelos a strong foundation in both business and leadership. Now 57 years old, Marinakis has built a reputation as a powerful shipping magnate, football club owner, philanthropist, and even a lyricist. His diverse career and extraordinary wealth make him one of the most intriguing personalities in international sports and business.
Net Worth and Financial Success
When it comes to his net worth, figures vary depending on the source. Some reports suggest Evangelos Marinakis is worth around £510 million, while others place his wealth closer to $3 billion (approximately £2.5 billion). Regardless of which estimate is more accurate, it is clear that he is among the wealthiest individuals in both Greece and the football industry. His fortune comes from shipping, media, and other business ventures, but his high-profile investments in football have drawn the most attention. Marinakis is not only the owner of Olympiacos, one of Greece’s biggest clubs, but also the main shareholder of Nottingham Forest, which he purchased in 2017.
Business Empire and Shipping Ventures
At the core of Marinakis’ wealth is his shipping business. He founded Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, where he continues to serve as chairman. The company manages a large fleet of ships and is a major player in the global maritime industry. Shipping has historically been one of Greece’s strongest sectors, and Marinakis has used this to his advantage, growing Capital Maritime into a respected and profitable organization. Beyond shipping, he has invested in media companies in Greece, further expanding his influence. His business empire gives him the resources to fund ambitious projects, including football club ownership and philanthropic efforts.
Football Investments: Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest
Evangelos Marinakis’ name is most recognized by football fans because of his ownership of two major clubs. In Greece, he owns Olympiacos, a team with a rich history and a loyal following. Under his leadership, Olympiacos has continued to dominate the Greek Super League. In 2017, he expanded his football portfolio by acquiring Nottingham Forest, a historic English club. At the time of his takeover, Forest had been struggling, but Marinakis poured money into the club, signing numerous players and funding improvements. His financial backing was a key factor in Forest’s eventual promotion back to the Premier League. Fans have been both surprised and impressed by his willingness to invest heavily in player transfers and infrastructure.
Surprising Passion for Music
What sets Marinakis apart from many other billionaires is his interest in music. He is a lyricist and has written songs for Greek pop star Natassa Theodoridou. One of his notable contributions is the 2021 hit Excitement (Eksapsi), which quickly gained popularity and reached one million views on YouTube in less than a week. While business and football are his main pursuits, this unexpected creative side highlights the diverse talents of a man often portrayed as a hard-nosed businessman.
Personal Life and Family
Evangelos Marinakis lives primarily in Athens but also owns a luxurious residence in London. His lifestyle reflects his wealth, with properties in prime locations and ownership of two yachts, Amore Mio and Amore Mio II. He is married to Athanasia Marinakis, and together they have four children. Despite his busy business and sporting commitments, Marinakis remains devoted to his family and keeps his personal life relatively private compared to his public role in football.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Beyond his financial empire, Marinakis is known for his philanthropy. He has supported numerous charitable causes in Greece, often focusing on culture and education. One of his recent commitments was a promise to donate €80,000 annually for ten years to a museum dedicated to Greek poet Nikos Kazantzakis. He also played a key role in organizing the UNDP Match Against Poverty in 2010, which raised more than $500,000 for victims of natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan. His contributions highlight a side of him that goes beyond profit, as he uses his wealth to give back to society.
Lifestyle and Public Image
As a billionaire and football club owner, Marinakis naturally lives a high-profile lifestyle. His yachts and luxury properties reflect his status, but his strong involvement in sports and culture makes him more than just a wealthy businessman. In Greece, he is viewed as a powerful figure not only in shipping but also in politics, media, and football. In the UK, his legacy is tied closely to Nottingham Forest’s revival, and many fans credit him with giving the club the financial backing needed to compete again at the highest level.