Roman Abramovich: From orphan to billionaire and Chelsea owner

Roman Abramovich, the prominent Russian billionaire and former owner of Chelsea FC, has a biography marked by significant transitions. Born in Saratov in 1966, he became an orphan before the age of three following the death of his mother from sepsis and his father in a construction accident.

Raised by relatives in the Komi Republic, Abramovich transitioned from a mechanic and small-scale trader during the Perestroika era to a major figure in the post-Soviet privatization period. He amassed wealth through the oil and industrial sectors, notably becoming a key participant in the creation of Sibneft. In 2005, he sold his stake in the company to Gazprom for approximately £7.4 billion.

Beyond business, Abramovich served as the governor of the Chukotka region for six years starting in 2001, directing significant funds toward local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He is also widely recognized for his ownership of Chelsea Football Club, which he purchased in 2003 and led to multiple major titles, including five English league championships and two Champions League trophies.