Roman Abramovich’s Life is Now Different After Selling Chelsea.
In brief
After acquiring Chelsea in 2003, Roman Abramovich had a significant role in transforming the team into one of the best in England.
Since 2022, the Russian has been living in exile after being forced to sell the club.
Although they seem to be false, rumours about Abramovich purchasing another football team have continued.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over in 2022, Chelsea’s fortunes have not been as successful as they were in previous years. The west London club was acquired by the consortium for a record-breaking £4.25 billion, and based on their inconsistent transfer practices and reported split, it appears that they have since spent the same amount on players.
The ownership transition led to two of the most turbulent and disastrous seasons Stamford Bridge has seen in recent memory, even though Enzo Maresca seems to have partially stabilised the ship. After the 2022–2023 season, the Blues placed 12th in the Premier League. Even if they improved to sixth place the next year, this was still well below expectations and something the previous administration would not have accepted.
Roman Abramovich led Chelsea to their longest run of consistent success in their history because he was a ruthless owner who was prepared to make snap choices on a manager’s future. But after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sanctions against Russian oligarchs connected to Vladimir Putin compelled him to sell. It’s safe to assume that Abramovich’s life has changed significantly in the years since his 2022 departure.
What Roman Abramovich is Doing Now
The billionaire is believed to be living in exile in Turkey
The European Union’s travel restrictions have compelled Abramovich to live in exile, with Turkey currently acting as his home base, according to a report from The Telegraph. The 58-year-old was well-known for his passion for travel, regularly going to other famous luxury towns in Europe as well as the Caribbean in the winter. Over the past three years, the former Chelsea owner’s collection of super yachts has largely been idle as he has had to reduce this lifestyle.
Among these, his cherished £500 million yacht, The Eclipse, is currently in the Turkish port city of Marmaris, where its owner hardly ever uses it anymore, thereby making it obsolete.
Regarding the guy himself, it was stated in 2023 that he was alternating between Sochi, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv; nevertheless, it appears that he has now made Turkey’s largest metropolis his primary home. He still flaunts his money whenever he can, though.
According to financial analysts Forbes, Abramovich has an estimated net worth of £7.96 billion. He is known for living a lavish lifestyle and lavishly rewarding those who help him. Chef Omer Ataysin is one such person who frequently prepares dinners for the Russian oligarch. His favourite foods are reportedly lamb tenderloin and spicy kebabs.
Potential Return to Football
Rumours suggesting that Abramovich could buy another club appear wide of the mark
Football fans are still wondering if the former Chelsea owner will return to the game with another team, even though the father of seven seems to be leading a quiet life away from the spotlight and may be serving as a mediator in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Given that Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas are all based in the area, there were rumours that Abramovich was interested in purchasing a football team from Istanbul, suggesting that his decision to settle there was a calculated one. A representative swiftly refuted this, stating that the claim was completely untrue.
Regarding his relationship with Chelsea, the 58-year-old has stated that he would like to visit Stamford Bridge again to bid the supporters farewell in person, but travel restrictions have made this impossible. The likelihood that such a visit will occur in the future is currently dwindling.
Abramovich also came under fire for failing to fulfil pledges to use the money he obtained from the club’s sale to make a sizable charitable contribution. But according to a Daily Mail report, this is because the Russian is presently unable to retrieve the money because it is locked in a London bank.
Abramovich has stopped going to football games.
“It was always about Chelsea”
It has come to light that, as of early 2025, Abramovich has completely stopped going to games in person, which further supports the notion that he is unlikely to invest in a new football team anytime soon. Abramovich’s intimate pal told The Sun (via Goa):
“Roman continues to like football. However, he no longer attends games. Chelsea was always at the centre.
“I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person,” the Russian stated as he exited the bridge, as previously mentioned. A return to West London appears improbable for the time being.
