
Just In: Nottingham Forest’s Billionaire Owner Evangelos Marinakis Promises A Mind Blowing Package For The Team Should They Successfully Make It To The UCL
As of March 7, 2025, Nottingham Forest’s billionaire owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has set the football world abuzz by promising a “mind-blowing package” for the team if they secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). This bold pledge comes as Forest, currently third in the Premier League, stand on the cusp of a historic return to Europe’s elite competition—a feat not achieved since their back-to-back European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980. Marinakis, whose wealth exceeds $4 billion, has already transformed the club since acquiring it in 2017, and this latest vow underscores his relentless ambition.
Forest’s remarkable campaign under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has defied all expectations. With standout performances from players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, and Murillo, the Reds are level on points with Arsenal, trailing only Liverpool at the season’s halfway mark. Marinakis’ promise—rumored to include substantial player bonuses, staff rewards, and potentially a blockbuster summer transfer window—reflects his belief that Champions League qualification is within reach. His hands-on leadership was evident after a recent draw against Liverpool, where he personally praised the squad, a gesture fans lauded as a sign of his commitment.
The “mind-blowing package” could also signal infrastructural leaps, such as accelerating the City Ground’s expansion, or a financial war chest to attract top talent, leveraging Marinakis’ multi-club network, including Olympiacos and soon Vasco da Gama. His track record supports such speculation: last year, he led Olympiacos to Europa Conference League glory, and he’s already sunk over £300 million into Forest since their 2022 Premier League return. Recently, he converted £72 million of club debt into equity, further solidifying his long-term vision.
For Forest fans, this promise is more than financial—it’s a revival of the club’s storied legacy. Marinakis has long spoken of restoring Nottingham Forest to Europe’s pinnacle, a dream he calls “unthinkable” yet achievable. With 11 games left, the stakes are sky-high. Should Nuno’s men clinch a UCL spot, Marinakis’ “mind-blowing” reward could propel Forest into a new era, blending their rich history with a future as bright as their owner’s boundless ambition.