In the evolving world of professional football, where the business and sporting sides of the game often intersect, the emergence of strong, visionary leaders is critical. Among the growing number of influential women in the football industry, Lina Souloukou has carved out a remarkable career. Her name has become synonymous with transformation, leadership, and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated space. From Greece to Italy and now to the United Kingdom, Souloukou’s journey reflects not only her personal ambitions but a broader shift in how football clubs operate and who gets to lead them.
This article explores in detail who is Lina Souloukou, her professional path, background, accomplishments, and what her recent role at Nottingham Forest Football Club means for the future of football management.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 11, 1983, in Larissa, Greece, Lina Souloukou is now in her early 40s. As of 2025, Lina Souloukou’s age is 41 years. She was drawn to sports early in life and was an accomplished volleyball player at the youth national level for Greece. Her early exposure to competitive sports gave her insight into the discipline and strategic thinking required to succeed, both on and off the field.
Despite her athletic talents, Lina transitioned into academia, pursuing legal studies with a specific focus on sports law. She later advanced her education in Spain, earning credentials from institutions such as the University of Salamanca and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. This legal background became the cornerstone of her professional career, equipping her with the skills to navigate contracts, club regulations, and international governance issues in the football world.
Career Beginnings and Rise in European Football
Souloukou’s formal entry into football came through legal and administrative roles in Greece. Her expertise in sports law and her fluency in multiple languages (Greek, English, Spanish, and Italian) gave her a unique advantage in dealing with international sports organizations.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2018, when she was appointed the CEO of Olympiacos FC, Greece’s most successful football club. Her role at Olympiacos placed her at the helm of operations for a club deeply embedded in Greek football culture and actively participating in European competitions. Under her leadership, Olympiacos secured three consecutive league titles, modernized its management structure, and advanced its profile in the UEFA Champions League.
Notably, during her time with Olympiacos, Souloukou joined the European Club Association (ECA) in 2019, representing Greek clubs. She soon became a diversity and inclusion advocate, serving as a representative on the ECA Executive Board—an exceptional achievement for a woman in football administration.
Leadership at AS Roma
In April 2023, Lina Souloukou took on a high-profile role as the CEO and General Manager of AS Roma, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs. Her appointment was part of the Friedkin Group’s strategic revamp of the club’s executive leadership.
At Roma, she faced significant challenges, including rebuilding internal structures and strengthening Roma’s brand across European football. While she brought a wealth of experience and professionalism, her tenure was marked by turbulence—most notably, internal disagreements and tensions between management and fans. The firing of beloved coach Daniele De Rossi sparked backlash, and Souloukou’s leadership came under scrutiny. Eventually, she chose to step down from her role at Roma in late 2024.
Despite the short-lived tenure, her time in Serie A further solidified her reputation as a formidable executive, unafraid to take bold decisions in high-pressure environments.
New Chapter at Nottingham Forest
In January 2025, Lina Souloukou was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nottingham Forest FC, a club with a rich history and current ambitions in the English Premier League. This move marked a return to working with Evangelos Marinakis, who owns both Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest.
Her appointment at Forest was not just a reunion, but a strategic move aimed at aligning the club’s management with a long-term vision for financial and sporting success. As CEO, Souloukou is responsible for overseeing the club’s commercial operations, global partnerships, community outreach, and overall strategy.
With the Premier League being the most lucrative and competitive football league in the world, her role at Nottingham Forest puts her on one of the biggest stages in global sports. Her mission now includes ensuring Forest’s sustainability in the Premier League, strengthening youth development, and enhancing the club’s international appeal.
Advocacy for Women in Football
Throughout her career, Lina Souloukou has broken barriers and challenged long-standing gender norms in sports leadership. She is one of the few women to have served as CEO of top-tier clubs across Greece, Italy, and now England.
In her public interviews and ECA board involvement, she has emphasized the need for diversity, inclusion, and equality within football institutions. Souloukou has expressed her commitment to mentoring young professionals and encouraging more women to pursue executive roles in the sport.
Her rise in the male-dominated world of European football is not only impressive but also inspiring. She exemplifies how determination, skill, and expertise can transcend traditional gender expectations.
Lina Souloukou Wikipedia Presence
As of now, Lina Souloukou does not yet have a fully developed Wikipedia page, but she is frequently cited in football news, business reports, and industry think tanks. Articles from ESPN, AS Roma, Nottingham Forest, and Off The Pitch highlight her accomplishments, career transitions, and influence in the world of football.
Given her prominent roles in three major football clubs and her contributions to football governance through the ECA, it is likely only a matter of time before a comprehensive Wikipedia page is dedicated to her.
Personal Life and Character
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Lina Souloukou leads a relatively private personal life. She is the mother of a son, Michel, born in 2016. She has spoken sparingly about her family, preferring to keep the spotlight on her professional work.
Colleagues describe her as meticulous, disciplined, and visionary, with a no-nonsense attitude that commands respect across boardrooms. Her multilingual abilities and cross-cultural experience have enabled her to thrive in diverse environments across Europe.
Impact on Football Culture
Souloukou’s journey from a small Greek city to the top executive roles in global football symbolizes a significant cultural shift in the sport’s administration. No longer is football leadership the exclusive domain of former players or lifelong club insiders. Executives like Lina Souloukou bring a business-first mindset with an inclusive leadership style.
Her influence is visible not just in boardrooms but in the ethos of the clubs she leads. She has helped bridge the gap between legacy club traditions and the demands of modern football, characterized by digital transformation, global branding, and financial sustainability.
Conclusion
Lina Souloukou is more than just a football executive—she is a symbol of change, excellence, and progress in the world’s most beloved sport. Her tenure at Olympiacos, AS Roma, and now Nottingham Forest showcases her adaptability, vision, and courage to lead at the highest levels. With her unique blend of legal acumen, sports knowledge, and executive authority, she continues to inspire a new generation of leaders in football.
As she takes on her new role at Nottingham Forest, all eyes will be on how she steers the historic club into a new era of success—both on and off the pitch.
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