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Business & Money • Billionaire

Roman Abramovich

Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich is a Russian billionaire businessman and former politician.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich is a Russian billionaire businessman and former politician. He is known for building wealth after the Soviet Union’s collapse, serving as governor of Chukotka from 2000 to 2008, and formerly owning Chelsea Football Club. He has held Russian, Israeli, and Portuguese citizenship.

Early life

Roman Abramovich was born in Saratov in 1966. Public biographies describe him as an orphan from a young age who later entered business after the Soviet era.

Business career

Abramovich made much of his fortune during Russia’s privatization period and became associated with major holdings in oil, metals, and investment vehicles such as Millhouse LLC.

Political role

He served as governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug from 2000 to 2008 and also held a seat in the Russian parliament, according to investigative and biographical sources.

Chelsea Football Club

Abramovich became internationally prominent after buying Chelsea in 2003. He later sold the club in 2022 following sanctions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Key facts

  • Abramovich became one of Russia’s best-known oligarchs and businessmen after the Soviet privatization period.
  • He was the owner of Chelsea Football Club in London before selling it in 2022.
  • He served as governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug from 2000 to 2008.
  • He has been described as an investor with stakes in major companies including Evraz and Norilsk Nickel.
  • Reuters, BBC, and investigative reporting note that he was sanctioned in March 2022 in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Canadian context

He has limited direct Canada-specific relevance, but Canadian readers may know him through international football, global sanctions coverage, and reporting on Russian oligarchs and asset ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roman Abramovich?
He is a Russian billionaire businessman and former politician best known internationally as the former owner of Chelsea Football Club.
When was Roman Abramovich born?
He was born on 24 October 1966.
What political office did he hold?
He was governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug from 2000 to 2008.
What is he best known for in business?
He is known for wealth built during Russia’s post-Soviet privatization era and for ownership of major assets, including Chelsea and stakes in industrial companies.
What citizenships has he held?
Sources report Russian, Israeli, and Portuguese citizenship.
Was Roman Abramovich sanctioned?
Yes. BBC and OCCRP report that he was sanctioned in March 2022.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Abramovich
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, citizenships, former Chelsea ownership, and governorship of Chukotka.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60708450
    Supports: Biographical overview, orphan background, wealth estimate, and sanctions context.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/business-19438316
    Supports: Business profile and wealth estimate.
  4. Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/roman-a-abramovich/
    Supports: Business holdings, fortune-building, and birth information.
  5. OCCRP — https://www.occrp.org/interactives/russian-asset-tracker/en/person/1/roman-abramovich
    Supports: Governorship, wealth source, Chelsea ownership, and sanctions context.
  6. OCCRP — https://www.occrp.org/en/project/paradise-papers/roman-abramovich
    Supports: Business interests, reported net worth, and major assets.