Evangelos Marinakis Net Worth 2025: Inside the Shadowy Fortune of Football’s Most Ambitious Owner

No other owner in global football sparks as much fascination, hatred and whispered speculation—as Evangelos Marinakis, a man whose deals and influence stretch from the pitch to the boardroom.

Behind the stadium lights and headlines lies a complex empire few truly understand. From high-stakes transfers to strategic business ventures, Evangelos Marinakis has built a presence that commands attention both in Greece and across Europe’s elite football circles.

His name often comes up alongside other football powerhouses like recently departed Tottenham CEO Daniel Levy and chemical magnate-turned-football tycoon Jim Ratcliffe, highlighting a world where ambition, risk, and influence collide. But what exactly fuels Marinakis’ rise—and just how deep does his financial reach go? Keep reading to uncover the full story behind one of football’s most enigmatic figures.

Evangelos Marinakis inside one of his vessels — the heart of his billion-dollar shipping network that launched his rise from Piraeus to international prominence.

The Crazy Marinakis Story

 Early Life & Education

Evangelos Marinakis was born on July 30, 1967, in Piraeus, Greece, into a prominent family deeply rooted in shipping and politics. His father, Miltiadis Marinakis, was a shipowner and a member of the Greek Parliament. Raised in this environment, Evangelos developed an early interest in business and international relations. He pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration and a Master's degree in International Relations from the American International University in London.

Life Before Football Ownership

After completing his studies, Marinakis entered the shipping industry, following in his father's footsteps. From 1992 to 2005, he served as the Commercial Manager for Capital Ship Management Corporation, overseeing the growth and success of many of the businesses that now form Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, a leading global shipping company. His expertise in shipping laid the foundation for his future ventures in various industries.

Football Ownership Journey

Marinakis' involvement in football began in 2010 when he acquired a majority stake in Olympiacos F.C., Greece's most successful football club. Under his leadership, Olympiacos won multiple Greek Super League titles and domestic cups. In 2017, he expanded his football interests by purchasing an 80% stake in English club Nottingham Forest, a historic club aiming for a return to the Premier League. His ownership has been marked by significant investment in both clubs, aiming to restore their former glory.

Personal Life

Marinakis is married to Athanasia Marinakis, and they have four children. Beyond his business ventures, he is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as UNICEF and the Kazantzakis Museum in Crete. He is also involved in local politics, having served as a municipal councillor in Piraeus, Greece. His personal life reflects a blend of family commitment, cultural heritage, and social responsibility.

Controversies & Rumours

Marinakis has been at the center of several controversies. The Guardian reports that in 2017 he was charged with match-fixing offenses in Greece, leading to his temporary suspension from Olympiacos. Additionally, he faced allegations related to the "Noor 1" drug trafficking case, one of the largest in Greek history, involving the smuggling of 2.1 tonnes of heroin into Greece in 2014. Marinakis vehemently denied the allegations, and in January 2025, a Greek court acquitted him, effectively clearing his name according to The Independent. These incidents have fueled ongoing debates about his role in the football industry and his broader business practices.

Tensions flare as Evangelos Marinakis confronts former manager Nuno Espírito Santo on the pitch, highlighting the drama and high stakes of Premier League ownership.

Evangelos Marinakis Net Worth: His Business And Sporting Empire Unpacked

Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek shipping magnate, media mogul, and sports investor, has amassed a fortune that few in Europe can rival. As of October 20, 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $5.1 billion, ranking him #788 on the global billionaires list and solidifying his place among Greece's wealthiest individuals. While he was born into a seafaring family in Piraeus, Greece, his wealth is largely self-made, stemming from strategic entrepreneurial ventures rather than traditional salaries. Marinakis’ story is one of high-stakes risk, diversified investments, and meticulous reinvestment—a fortune built from shipping decks to football pitches.

How He Made His Money

Marinakis entered the shipping industry in his late 30s, after studying law and working in family-related maritime roles. In 2005, he founded Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., a ship management and chartering firm that became the cornerstone of his empire. Over the years, he expanded into owning and operating a diverse fleet of vessels, including tankers, container ships, and gas carriers.

He capitalized on global trade booms and post-Ukraine sanctions windfalls, which dramatically increased tanker values. By 2010, he launched Capital Product Partners (CPLP), a publicly traded shipping company, and later acquired a 59% stake in Capital Clean Energy Carriers (CCEC), focusing on eco-friendly vessels. These ventures generate steady revenues from charters and asset sales—CCEC alone reported $106 million in Q3 2024 revenue, up significantly from the prior year.

Marinakis continues to reinvest heavily in shipping, including $1.2 billion in very large crude carrier (VLCC) newbuilds in 2025 and $377 million in financing for gas carriers, ensuring the business remains at the forefront of global maritime logistics.

Football and Sports Ventures

Marinakis has diversified far beyond shipping, establishing himself as a prominent football owner. In 2010, he acquired a majority stake in Olympiacos FC, Greece’s most decorated football club, for €50 million ($55 million). Under his leadership, Olympiacos has consistently dominated the Greek Super League and generated revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and European competitions.

In 2017, Marinakis purchased 80% of Nottingham Forest FC for £50 million ($65 million), injecting substantial funds into the club to drive transfers and stadium improvements. By 2025, Forest’s club value has increased roughly tenfold to ~£500 million, supported by Premier League TV deals yielding £100–150 million annually. He also acquired a minority stake in Portuguese club Rio Ave in 2023 (amount undisclosed), expanding his football portfolio further.

Despite the glamour of football ownership, Marinakis’ investments often required heavy initial spending: £162 million total for Nottingham Forest, €50 million for Olympiacos, and additional loans and equity injections. Yet, the clubs have provided both indirect financial returns and significant prestige.

Media and Business Investments

Marinakis entered the media world in 2017 with the foundation of Alter Ego Media, acquiring major Greek outlets including Dimokratia, Eleftheri Ora, and TV channel One Channel. In January 2025, the group went public, raising €57 million ($59 million) in its IPO. Media investments have provided diversified income streams from advertising, subscriptions, and cross-promotional opportunities with his football ventures.

His wealth is therefore not tied to salaries; profits and dividends from shipping, football, and media generate the bulk of his income. He also channels funds into philanthropy—supporting UNICEF child immunization campaigns through Olympiacos and investing in Piraeus urban redevelopment—but these do not directly increase personal wealth.

Personal Assets and Lifestyle

Despite being a billionaire, Marinakis maintains a surprisingly modest lifestyle. Famously, he still uses an iPhone 6 as of 2025. His visible luxury expenditures focus on high-end but practical assets:

• Yachts: Owns two superyachts—Amore Mio and Amore Mio II, each valued around $20 million, with helipads, pools, and custom interiors.

• Homes: Seaside villa in Piraeus ($10–20 million estimated), plus properties in London (~$5 million) and Athens for business purposes.

• Cars and Luxury Goods: Ferrari 488 Spider (~$300,000) and Rolls-Royce Phantom (~$500,000), with no extravagant jewelry or art collections reported.

Much of his wealth is reinvested into business ventures, including $13 billion in ship orders since 2022 and €60 million in Olympiacos’ youth academy development. Philanthropic efforts total roughly $50–100 million over the years, including post-COVID support in Greece.

Total Gross Earnings and Financial Summary

Estimating Marinakis’ cumulative earnings provides insight into the scale of his empire. Conservative calculations suggest:

• Shipping Profits: ~$4 billion from charters, vessel sales, and fleet appreciation.

• Media IPO Gains: ~$200 million from Alter Ego Media.

• Football Club Appreciation: ~$1 billion from Olympiacos, Nottingham Forest, and Rio Ave.

Cumulatively, his gross earnings since 2005 are likely around $6–7 billion, though much is reinvested, leaving his net worth at $5.1 billion as of October 2025.

Evangelos Marinakis reacts with visible anger on the touchline following Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Fulham, reflecting the pressures and intensity of Premier League ownership.

Evangelos Marinakis Latest News: October 2025

Football Ownership Turmoil: The Nottingham Forest Manager Debacle

Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Nottingham Forest only 39 days into his tenure, following eight winless games and a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea F.C.. Reuters reports say Marinakis departed the stadium early during the game and made the decision shortly after full-time.

In its reporting, the club is now lining up Sean Dyche as the next manager. Marinakis is said to be driving the recruitment push—approaching other names such as Roberto Mancini and Marco Silva as alternatives.
This episode highlights increasing questions about the owner’s management style and the level of stability at the club under his leadership.

Big Newbuilding Orders at Capital Maritime & Trading Corp.

In another part of his empire, Marinakis’s shipping firm has added yet more very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to its orderbook — the latest confirmed in mid-October 2025.
The company also recently acquired a 50% stake in a joint venture with United Offshore Support (UOS), moving further into offshore support vessels.
These moves indicate Marinakis is doubling down on capital-intensive shipping assets, even as regulatory headwinds (e.g., emissions rules) loom for the industry.

Diversification & Investment Strategy: Offshore Sector Entry

Riviera Maritime Media reports that Marinakis’s offshore arm, Capital Offshore, has been making waves—entering anchor-handling, platform supply and subsea support services through its UOS deal.
Additionally, the firm has placed feeder container vessel orders at South Korean builders—expanding the container ship portfolio beyond tankers.

Putting these together paints a picture of an owner not content with a “one sector” strategy—he’s spreading risk and chasing growth across shipping sub-segments.

Evangelos Marinakis’ luxurious superyacht, the Amore Mio, valued at $20 million, exemplifies his taste for high-end but understated leisure assets.

People Also Ask

How does Evangelos Marinakis influence football beyond club ownership?

Marinakis has become an increasingly powerful voice in European football governance. His role on the European Club Association’s committees and his lobbying for Greek football reform have positioned him as a key behind-the-scenes operator. Insiders say his influence extends to player negotiations, media rights, and even UEFA’s future club licensing models.

Has Marinakis ever considered running for political office again?

Yes — Marinakis has long been linked to Greek politics. After serving as a Piraeus city councillor, speculation about a potential national political bid has circulated repeatedly, especially during Greece’s economic recovery years. While he’s denied plans for a formal campaign, his media holdings and civic projects continue to fuel rumours of political ambitions.

What philanthropic causes does Marinakis support?

Marinakis funds multiple charitable foundations across Greece, focusing on children’s healthcare, cultural restoration, and maritime education. He’s also donated millions to hospitals and public initiatives during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite criticism of his business style, his philanthropy remains a pillar of his public image.

How does Evangelos Marinakis balance his media empire with football?

As owner of the Greek media group Alter Ego Media, Marinakis wields considerable influence in journalism and broadcasting. Critics argue that this creates a unique dynamic—allowing him to shape both the narrative and the business of sport. His editorial reach across newspapers and television outlets often intersects with his football ventures, blurring lines between ownership and influence.

Final Thoughts - A Hugely Successful Walking Controversy

Evangelos Marinakis remains one of Europe’s most polarising yet undeniably influential figures — a billionaire whose life bridges the worlds of commerce, sport, and media. From his roots in the bustling port city of Piraeus to his current status as a global power broker, Marinakis has built an empire defined by ambition, resilience, and strategic vision. His ventures in shipping and media continue to generate immense wealth, while his stewardship of Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest keeps him firmly in the public eye — for better or worse.

Yet beneath the headlines and heated football debates lies a man whose story is, at its core, one of calculated risk and relentless drive. Whether he’s expanding his fleet, navigating boardroom politics, or backing his managers through turbulent Premier League campaigns, Marinakis thrives on challenge. His financial success and global reach reflect not only sharp business acumen but also a willingness to play the long game — both in markets and on the pitch.

As 2025 unfolds, Marinakis stands at a crossroads: balancing the expectations of fans, shareholders, and critics while shaping the future of two historic clubs. Whatever comes next, one thing is certain — Evangelos Marinakis has already secured his place as a defining figure in the modern era of football and international enterprise.