Roman Abramovich has long stood as one of the most influential and complex figures in global business and politics. Known for his immense wealth, high-profile ownership of Chelsea Football Club, and strong presence in Russian and Israeli circles, Abramovich’s legacy is equally defined by controversy and philanthropy. As of 2025, Roman Abramovich’s net worth is estimated at $9.15 billion, placing him 334th globally among billionaires and 17th in Russia.
From Orphan to Oil Tycoon
Born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, Russian SFSR, Abramovich is now 58 years old. Orphaned by the age of four, he was raised by relatives in the Komi Republic, facing early life challenges that shaped his resilience. He pursued higher education at the Gubkin Institute of Oil and Gas and later earned a master’s degree from the Moscow State Law Academy.
During his time in the Soviet Army, Abramovich began dabbling in small trade, eventually selling commodities like rubber ducks and tires. This entrepreneurial spark laid the foundation for what would become one of the most lucrative oligarchic rises in post-Soviet Russia.
The Rise Through Business and Politics
Abramovich’s breakthrough came in the mid-1990s when he partnered with Boris Berezovsky, forming Runicom Ltd, a Swiss-based trading firm. In 1995, Abramovich acquired a controlling interest in Sibneft, one of Russia’s major oil companies, through a privatization auction that has since been widely criticized as rigged. He later sold Sibneft to the Russian government in 2005 for $13 billion, marking one of the largest oil transactions in history.
Beyond oil, Abramovich diversified his portfolio across steel, agriculture, real estate, technology, and investments under the holding company Millhouse LLC. He also served as the Governor of Chukotka from 2000 to 2008, investing over $1.3 billion in the impoverished region’s development and earning the Order of Honour for his efforts.
Chelsea Football Club and Sporting Glory
Abramovich made international headlines in 2003 when he purchased Chelsea FC for around $250 million. His impact was immediate. Backed by his deep pockets, the club brought in top-tier players and managers, transforming Chelsea into a football powerhouse. Under his ownership, the team won multiple titles including:
- 5 Premier League titles
- 5 FA Cups
- 2 UEFA Europa League trophies
- 2 UEFA Champions League titles
In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Abramovich announced in 2022 that he would hand over stewardship of Chelsea to the club’s charitable foundation. The club was later sold to a group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital for $5.2 billion, with significant proceeds directed toward charitable causes.
Sanctions, Lawsuits, and International Scrutiny
Abramovich’s global profile has not come without complications. His connections to the Kremlin have led to international sanctions imposed by countries including the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland. In 2022, he was alleged to have been poisoned during Ukraine peace talks, though he recovered.
His legal history includes a high-profile civil lawsuit brought by Boris Berezovsky, alleging breach of trust and coercion. Abramovich won the case in 2012, with the court ruling in his favor. However, the case exposed the secretive and high-stakes world of Russia’s oligarch elite.
His more recent lawsuit against the European Union, aimed at lifting sanctions, was rejected in 2024, confirming the persistence of his limited mobility and asset restrictions within the EU.
Family Life and Relationships
Abramovich has been married and divorced three times. His first wife was Olga Yurevna Lysova; his second was Irina Vyacheslavovna Malandina, with whom he had five children. His third marriage to Dasha Zhukova resulted in two more children, and he has seven children in total, including two from other relationships.
Despite the wealth and headlines, Abramovich has kept much of his personal life private, especially after his divorce from Zhukova in 2018. His family continues to live in different parts of the world, including the UK and Israel, where he gained Israeli citizenship in 2018.
Real Estate, Yachts, and Luxury Assets
Roman Abramovich’s lifestyle includes some of the most lavish private holdings on earth:
- Real estate portfolio valued at over £340 million, including a £125 million mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens, a $65 million estate in Israel, and a holiday home in St. Barts worth over £54 million
- The Eclipse, a $400 million superyacht, once the world’s largest, featuring a submarine, missile defense systems, and two helipads
- A fleet of luxury aircraft, including a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and The Bandit, a Boeing 767-33A/ER with military-grade defenses
- A car collection valued at over $11 million, with rare models like the Ferrari FFX, Pagani Zonda, Bugatti Veyron, and Aston Martin Vulcan
Philanthropy, Arts, and Legacy
Abramovich is one of the most charitable Russian billionaires. His support of education, healthcare, and Jewish causes is well documented. He’s a major contributor to Israeli and Russian institutions, and a patron of the arts, co-founding a contemporary gallery with Dasha Zhukova and sponsoring public exhibitions worldwide.
He supports the Make a Difference Foundation, and has also contributed to UNESCO education initiatives, Russian cultural projects, and disaster relief efforts.
Final Word
Roman Abramovich remains a striking figure in the worlds of global business, sport, and philanthropy. Though his net worth dropped by nearly $586 million over the past year due to sanctions and asset restrictions, he still maintains a commanding presence with $9.15 billion to his name.
As both a symbol of Russia’s post-Soviet economic transformation and a target of Western sanctions, Abramovich continues to be a subject of intrigue. Whether shaping football history or investing in public welfare, his name remains etched in the modern financial and cultural landscape.
