Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#354

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Roman Abramovich & family

CEO, Evraz

Real-Time Net Worth

$9.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Steel, investments

Industry

metals-mining

Citizenship

Biography

Roman Abramovich, a prominent figure in the business world, is a Russian-Israeli businessman and politician. His wealth stems from his early ventures in the oil industry and later, strategic investments. Abramovich, with a current net worth of $9.2 billion, is recognized for his diverse holdings, including steel and investments, and his philanthropic endeavors. His career is marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies, including his ownership of Chelsea Football Club, which transformed the club into a global brand. He has faced scrutiny for his business practices and alleged ties to the Russian government.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Evraz

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich was born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, Russia. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives and spent his youth in the Komi Republic. He started his entrepreneurial journey in the late 1980s, capitalizing on the economic changes during perestroika.

Rise to Success

Abramovich's career took off in the 1990s, with significant involvement in the oil and gas industry. He co-founded the company Sibneft, which became one of Russia's largest oil producers. He later sold his stake in Sibneft to Gazprom for $13 billion in 2005. Abramovich also invested in the steel industry, with a stake in Evraz.

Key Business Strategies

His business strategies involved acquiring assets during Russia's privatization era. He later sold his stake in Sibneft to Gazprom for $13 billion in 2005. In 2003, Abramovich acquired Chelsea Football Club, investing heavily in top-tier players and managers to transform the club into a major European football team.

Philanthropy

Abramovich has made significant philanthropic contributions. From 1999 to 2013, he donated approximately $2.5 billion to various causes, including infrastructure projects in the Chukotka region where he served as governor.

Career Milestones

1980s

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Began his business career by producing plastic toys and trading commodities.

1995

Co-founded Sibneft

Co-founded Sibneft, which became one of Russia's largest oil producers.

2000-2008

Governor of Chukotka

Served as the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and invested significantly in the region's development.

2003

Acquired Chelsea FC

Acquired Chelsea Football Club, transforming it into a major European football team.

2005

Sold Sibneft

Sold his stake in Sibneft to Gazprom for $13 billion.

2022

Sold Chelsea FC

Sold Chelsea FC due to sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Chukotka Region Investments

$1.3B

Invested in schools, infrastructure, and healthcare in the Chukotka region.

General Philanthropy

Various Causes

$2.5B

Donated to various causes including education and Jewish cultural heritage.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Strategic Investments

Identifying and investing in key sectors like oil, steel, and football to generate significant returns.

Philanthropic Commitment

Investing in communities through the development of schools and infrastructure.

Controversies & Challenges

2008

Bribery Allegations

Admitted in court to paying billions for political favors and protection in the oil and aluminum industries.

2022

Sanctions

Sanctioned by the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland due to alleged ties to the Kremlin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

1995

Sibneft Deal

Acquired a controlling interest in Sibneft in a rigged auction.

2012

Berezovsky Lawsuit

Successfully defended a lawsuit brought by former mentor Boris Berezovsky.