Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis bought Nottingham Forest in 2017 and has spearheaded the club into the Premier League.
Marinakis’ enthusiasm for the game is seen in his vision and steadfast commitment to dragging Forest from perennial Championship contenders to an established Premier League club.
The 57-year-old has transformed their fortunes and his multi-club ownership model has served Forest well. He is also behind several community-focused initiatives.
An Ambitious Vision
Promotion to the Premier League was just the beginning for Marinakis, who made it clear that he wanted the club to remain in the top flight and compete for a European slot.
There are plans to expand the stadium capacity from around 30,000 to 42,000 through the rebuilding of the Peter Taylor Stand and the extension of the Bridgford Stand.
He has declared that he eventually wants to build a 50,000-capacity stadium with state-of-the-art training facilities to attract top talent and nurture young players.
Marinakis has united the club. The ebullient businessman is a hands-on owner, but his methods are undoubtedly paying dividends.
Forest are in contention to secure European qualification at the end of the season, which would be a superb achievement for the club.
Olympiacos Connection Helps Forest
Marinakis also owns Greek giants Olympiacos and this connection has allowed the English club to benefit from collaboration and resource sharing.
This multi-club ownership model allows both parties to exchange scouting networks, coaching expertise, players and development strategies.
Forest signed David Carmo following his unsuccessful spell at Porto. They sent him on loan to Olympiacos, where he has regained his confidence. He will return to Forest in a better place.
Marko Stamenic, a young New Zealand international on loan at Olympiacos from Forest, is another great example of this mutually beneficial link-up.
Stamenic’s move to Europe shows how the multi-club model creates pathways for promising talents from around the globe, including underrepresented regions such as Oceania.
With these players returning for next season, Forest will have a squad deep enough to challenge on multiple fronts, and you would not bet against them making an impact in Europe.
With Stamenic in their ranks, Forest would become a more enticing proposition for Kiwi punters, who love betting on teams which feature their compatriots.
Reputable sportsbook platforms such as 22bet would be inundated with wagers on Forest from bettors in New Zealand and they could be rewarded with a winning return.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Marinakis is a massive believer that sports can drive social change. Forest have launched several initiatives under his leadership to tackle issues such as racism and gender inequality in football.
He has been at the forefront of conferences and campaigns promoting inclusivity within the sport, forging exciting partnerships with organisations such as the Lilian Thuram Foundation and Harvard University.
Marinakis has taken community engagement seriously at Nottingham, supporting local charities and creating opportunities for young fans to meet their heroes. He is keen on giving back to the community that has supported Forest for generations.
He has given other potential club owners a blueprint for successful results on the pitch and impact off it. He has balanced ambition with pragmatism, opting for long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
Forest are flying high in the Premier League, and they look like they are ready to make a return to Europe for the first time since 1981.
Marinakis is a new breed of football owner – one who understands that success is about more than just winning games. It is about building a legacy that outlives generations in Nottingham and beyond.
