Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek billionaire and owner of Nottingham Forest, is on a mission to revive the club’s historic glory since acquiring it in 2017. Despite facing controversies, including legal issues and frequent managerial changes, his ambitious investment strategy has led to the team’s competitive resurgence in the Premier League. With significant financial backing and plans for expansion, Marinakis aims to establish Nottingham Forest as a formidable force in English football and reclaim its former status.
Evangelos Marinakis: A Colorful Legacy in Football
Evangelos Marinakis is a figure that embodies a blend of vibrancy, controversy, and ambition. As the Greek billionaire and owner of Nottingham Forest, he shares a common trait with many Premier League officials: an insatiable desire for success. His determination to achieve greatness is evident in his relentless pursuit of glory for his club.
Reviving Nottingham Forest’s Glory Days
At 57 years old, Marinakis took a bold step in May 2017 by acquiring Nottingham Forest for £50 million from the Hasawi family. At that time, the club was grappling with challenges in the second division. However, Marinakis made a daring proclamation, stating his aim to restore the club to its former glory. He reflected on the past, emphasizing that “history tends to repeat itself,” referencing the club’s remarkable achievements over four decades ago.
Nottingham Forest’s memorable journey began when they were promoted to the top league in 1977, culminating in winning their first championship title the following season under the iconic coach Brian Clough. The club would go on to triumph in the European Cup of Champions in both 1979 and 1980, solidifying their place in football history. However, after Clough’s departure in 1993, the club faced relegation from the newly formed Premier League, leading to a prolonged absence from the top tier.
Fast forward to today, and history appears to be echoing in Nottingham once more. Currently, under the guidance of coach Nuno Espírito Santo, the team is impressively competing in the upper echelon of the Premier League, with the potential of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. A significant victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day propelled them to third place in the standings, much to the delight of their supporters.
Marinakis’s approach to management, however, is not without its controversies. His association with legal troubles and allegations of misconduct has raised eyebrows. Recently, following a disappointing match, he faced a five-game suspension from the English Football Association for a disrespectful incident involving the referee team. His defense claimed the act was unintentional, attributing it to his cigar-induced coughs.
Over the past seven years, Marinakis’s management has been characterized by rapid changes, with seven different coaches and nearly 150 player signings. A Sky reporter once quipped that Marinakis was someone who “wanted his club in the Premier League yesterday.” His strategy of frequent hires and firings eventually paid off when Nottingham secured promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs in the 2021/22 season.
In his inaugural season in the top league, Marinakis continued his trend, overhauling the squad by signing 30 new players, including Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler, for a staggering €200 million. This aggressive strategy paid off as Nottingham secured their place in the league on the penultimate matchday.
While Marinakis has faced challenges, including a four-point deduction for financial regulation violations, his investment of millions into the club has fostered a strong team spirit. His wealth originates from a successful shipping business in Piraeus, where he learned the ropes from his father and expanded the company into a global powerhouse.
Marinakis’s influence extends beyond football, as he has made significant strides in the media landscape by acquiring various news outlets and television stations. He also owns Olympiakos Piraeus, a club he led to victory in the Conference League, marking a historic achievement for Greek football.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Marinakis’s ambitions are evident as he seeks to expand his football empire. With interests in clubs like Rio Ave in Portugal and plans to enhance his management team, including potential hires like former Arsenal sporting director Edu, he is clearly committed to elevating Nottingham Forest as a top contender in English football.
As the club continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Premier League, it’s clear that Marinakis will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of bringing home titles and restoring Nottingham Forest to its rightful place in football history.