Roman Abramovich: Net Worth, Personal Life, Career, and Legacy

Roman Abramovich: Net Worth, Personal Life, Career, and Legacy.

Roman Abramovich is one of the most prominent and enigmatic figures in the world of business and sports. Known primarily for his ownership of Chelsea Football Club, his immense fortune, and his extensive portfolio of real estate and business interests, Abramovich has led a fascinating life filled with controversies, accomplishments, and significant changes in his career. This article will delve into his net worth, personal life, career, and the events surrounding the forced sale of Chelsea FC, alongside answers to questions about his current endeavors, the companies he owns, and how he made his billions.

Net Worth and Career Beginnings

Roman Abramovich's net worth has fluctuated over the years, but as of 2025, it is estimated to be around $14 billion. His wealth has made him one of the richest individuals in Russia and the world, though his fortune has been shaped by both success and controversy.

Born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, Russia, Abramovich's early life was far from privileged. He was orphaned at a young age after his parents died in a car accident, and he was raised by relatives. He attended various schools in Russia and eventually studied at the Moscow State Law Academy. Abramovich’s early career saw him engage in various small businesses, including selling plastic toys and importing goods. However, it was in the 1990s, during the collapse of the Soviet Union, that he began to build his empire.

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How Did Roman Abramovich Make His Billions?

Roman Abramovich's fortune was built during the post-Soviet economic transition in Russia. He became involved in the oil and gas industry, which provided the foundation for his wealth. His most notable investment was in Sibneft, a Russian oil company. In the early 1990s, Abramovich used his connections to secure a controlling stake in Sibneft, and by 2005, he sold it to Gazprom for $13 billion, a deal that significantly boosted his wealth. The sale of Sibneft remains one of the pivotal moments in his career, as it helped solidify his status as one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals.

Additionally, Abramovich has made investments in various industries, including metals, mining, and infrastructure. He owns stakes in several companies, including the Russian steel company Evraz, which has been a significant contributor to his wealth. His investments have diversified his portfolio and provided him with a continuous stream of income over the years.

Ownership and Sale of Chelsea FC

Perhaps the most high-profile aspect of Abramovich’s career was his ownership of Chelsea Football Club, one of the biggest and most successful football clubs in the world. Abramovich purchased the club in 2003 for £140 million, marking the beginning of an era of unprecedented success for Chelsea. Under his ownership, the club won numerous trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and the coveted UEFA Champions League.

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Abramovich’s investment in Chelsea transformed the club from a mid-table team into a global powerhouse. His ability to fund high-profile player signings and attract top managers helped Chelsea become one of the most competitive teams in Europe. The club's rise to prominence during Abramovich’s tenure was a testament to his business acumen and willingness to invest heavily in success.

However, in 2022, Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea came to an abrupt end. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich became the subject of international sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom and the European Union due to his alleged close ties to the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin. As a result, Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea FC, and the sale process became a global media spectacle.

In May 2022, the club was sold to a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly for £4.25 billion. The sale was one of the largest in football history and marked the end of Abramovich’s nearly two-decade-long ownership of the club. Despite the controversy surrounding his forced sale, Abramovich’s legacy at Chelsea remains intact, with the club’s success during his tenure ensuring his place in football history.

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Personal Life

Roman Abramovich is known for keeping his personal life private, though he has been the subject of media attention due to his marriages, relationships, and lifestyle. He has been married three times and has a total of seven children from various relationships. His first marriage was to Olga Yurevna Lysova in the 1980s, which ended in divorce. His second marriage was to Irina Vyacheslavovna Malandina, with whom he had five children, but the couple divorced in 2007. Abramovich’s third marriage was to Dasha Zhukova, a Russian art collector and businesswoman, though they also separated in 2018.

Abramovich’s personal life is often intertwined with his wealth and his high-profile lifestyle. He is known for his love of luxury, and his properties and assets reflect his affluent status. His yachts, private jets, and extravagant homes have made headlines over the years, with one of his most famous possessions being the Eclipse, a luxury yacht that was, at one point, the largest in the world.

Real Estate and Other Assets

Roman Abramovich is a well-known real estate mogul with properties spread across the globe. His real estate portfolio includes properties in London, the United States, and his native Russia. Some of his most notable properties include:

• Chelsea Waterfront: Abramovich owns a significant portion of the Chelsea Waterfront development in London, a luxury residential and commercial project located near his other property, Chelsea Harbour.
• London Mansions: Abramovich owns several luxurious properties in central London, including a mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens, which is often referred to as “Billionaire’s Row.” The property is one of the most expensive in the UK and has been a symbol of his wealth.
• Russian Properties: Abramovich also owns several properties in Russia, including a vast estate near Moscow, where he spends time when in his home country.

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In addition to real estate, Abramovich’s wealth extends to his ownership of multiple luxury assets, including his private jet, which has been reported to cost upwards of $60 million, and his fleet of high-end cars.

What Does Roman Abramovich Do Now?

Since the forced sale of Chelsea FC and the sanctions placed on him, Abramovich has largely remained out of the public eye. His current activities are somewhat of a mystery, with many speculating that he has shifted his focus to his other business interests. It is believed that he is still involved in managing his wealth, including his holdings in companies like Evraz and other investments. However, due to the restrictions placed on him by the UK and EU sanctions, he has been unable to make new business ventures in the West.

Despite the controversies surrounding his ties to the Russian government, Abramovich continues to maintain a low profile, occasionally appearing in the media due to his ongoing business dealings in Russia and abroad.

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What Companies Does Abramovich Own?

Roman Abramovich owns a variety of companies across different industries, including:

• Evraz: A Russian multinational steel producer, which is one of the largest companies in Russia. It plays a significant role in Abramovich’s portfolio.
• Millhouse Capital: Abramovich’s investment company, which oversees a range of investments across industries such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
• Real Estate Holdings: Through various entities, Abramovich owns numerous real estate assets, including commercial properties, luxury homes, and land in Russia and internationally.

Roman Abramovich’s journey from a businessman with modest beginnings to one of the wealthiest individuals in the world is a testament to his shrewd business acumen and ability to seize opportunities in times of political and economic change. While his fortune and influence have been affected by international sanctions, his legacy in football, business, and luxury assets remains intact. His wealth, real estate holdings, and business ventures will continue to shape his future, though his exact role in the global business landscape remains uncertain in the wake of his forced sale of Chelsea FC.

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However, his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin have often raised questions and sparked skepticism, given the political implications. While Abramovich’s wealth and achievements are undeniable, the nature of his connections to power remains a subject of scrutiny, making his story complex and multifaceted.