Roman Abramovich, born in 1966 in Russia, is a Russian-Jewish oil billionaire and the owner of Chelsea Football Club. In March 2006, him as the richest person in Russia, the second-richest in the UK, and the 11th richest worldwide, with an estimated net worth of $18.2 billion.
Journey from Orphan to Russia’s Wealthiest
Born into a poor family in Saratov, Roman Abramovich lost his mother at just 18 months old, and his father passed away in a construction accident when Abramovich was only four. Abramovich was raised by an uncle in Komi before moving to Moscow to live with his grandmother. From an early age, Abramovich learned the value of money and hard work.
After joining the military from Ukhta Industrial Institute, Abramovich started his career as a mechanic at the Mossepetsmontazh Group between 1987 and 1989. As Russia opened up its economy in the late 1980s, Abramovich seized the opportunity to start a toy company, using his hard-earned savings. His business skills gradually shone, leading him to expand his ventures.
From 1992 to 1995, Roman Abramovich shifted his focus to the oil sector, setting his sights on strategic investments. During this period, he met Boris Berezovsky, and the two partnered to acquire oil giant Sibneft. Their investment in Sibneft skyrocketed Abramovich’s wealth, especially after Berezovsky later sold his stake to Abramovich. By 2005, he sold 73% of Sibneft to Gazprom for $13 billion.
Owner of Chelsea Football Club
Since 2003, Roman Abramovich has been a prominent figure on the global stage, especially after acquiring Chelsea Football Club for $233 million. Under his leadership, Chelsea has flourished, with Forbes valuing the club at $2.6 billion in 2019.
Massive Wealth and Lavish Investments
With an estimated net worth of $11.5 billion as of 2018, Abramovich owns numerous properties worldwide, including a $118.3 million mansion in the “Billionaire’s Row” at Kensington Palace Gardens (London), estates in St. Bart’s (Caribbean), and a mega-mansion in New York City. He also has a luxury home in French Riviera, France.
In addition to real estate, Roman Abramovich owns a collection of jets and luxury yachts. He has three Boeing jets, including a customized Boeing 767-33A ER, nicknamed “Bandit,” valued at around £66 million with a luxurious interior and advanced missile defense system. His Eclipse yacht, once the world’s largest private yacht at 162.5 meters, is outfitted with amenities like helipads, a pool, a spa, and even a mini-submarine.
Social Contributions and Political Role
Beyond business, Roman Abramovich is deeply involved in philanthropy and politics. He has donated millions to build schools, hospitals, and develop infrastructure in Russia. From 2000 to 2008, in his role as Governor of Chukotka, he invested close to $1 billion in social welfare, significantly improving the local living conditions.
His art collection also stands out, featuring works by celebrated artists like Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud, and Francis Bacon. Abramovich paid $34 million for Freud’s “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” and $86.3 million for Bacon’s “Triptych, 1976,” reflecting his passion for the arts.
Roman Abramovich is a symbol of perseverance and ambition, a man who has built an empire from scratch.
