Evangelos Marinakis Nottingham Forest bonuses once again became a talking point in Portugal, with fresh reporting offering a familiar insight into the Greek owner’s highly involved approach.
According to A Bola, Marinakis was directly involved ahead of Rio Ave’s recent league clash with Benfica, making his presence felt days before the match.
The episode took place last weekend and quickly drew attention locally, adding to the long-standing narrative around the Nottingham Forest owner’s hands-on style across his football interests.
Bonuses offered ahead of Benfica clash
The Portuguese newspaper reports that Marinakis promised the entire Rio Ave squad a financial bonus if they managed either a win or a draw against Benfica.
Such incentives have been used before at Nottingham Forest, with the idea being to provide an extra psychological lift for high-profile matches.
In Portugal, the fixture was viewed internally as significant on several levels, both competitively and symbolically, given Benfica’s standing.
However, the approach did not deliver the desired outcome.
Rio Ave were beaten 2-0 at home, with Benfica taking control early on. Reports suggest the failed incentive may even have become a distraction once the visitors established their dominance.
A familiar Marinakis pattern
Despite the defeat, the situation reinforced what many already recognise about Marinakis.
The Greek businessman remains heavily involved in decision-making and is willing to use financial motivation when he believes it can influence performance.
This same attitude has long shaped his work at Nottingham Forest, where he has frequently taken a direct interest in football matters beyond the boardroom.
It is an ownership style that divides opinion but remains consistent across his clubs.
Even when results do not follow the intended script, Marinakis’ influence is rarely distant or passive.
Parallels with Nottingham Forest
The events in Portugal mirror the wider image associated with Forest’s ownership.
Marinakis has often been described as decisive, emotionally invested, and unafraid to intervene when he feels standards need raising.
That approach has contributed to Forest’s survival battles and rebuild phases, sometimes bringing stability, sometimes tension.
Forest recently experienced a challenging spell themselves, including a hard-fought draw, as detailed in this Nottingham Forest VAR reaction.
Control extends beyond matchday motivation
Back at Rio Ave, Marinakis’ influence stretches further than motivational bonuses.
The report adds that he has taken direct control of André Luiz’s transfer situation, complicating a potential move to Sunderland.
This level of involvement aligns with what has been seen across his football operations, including recruitment, departures, and strategic planning.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, transfer groundwork continues behind the scenes, as seen with Aston Villa’s recent transfer activity, highlighting how club owners and executives increasingly shape outcomes away from the pitch.
Hands-on ownership remains defining trait
Taken together, the Rio Ave incident fits seamlessly into the established picture of Marinakis.
Whether in England or Portugal, his involvement remains personal, direct, and occasionally controversial.
While the bonus offer failed to inspire a result against Benfica, it reinforced that Marinakis continues to operate differently from many modern owners.
For Nottingham Forest, it serves as another reminder that their owner’s influence extends well beyond financial backing — shaping culture, pressure, and expectations wherever his clubs compete.
