Most people know Roman Abramovich as the Russian billionaire who owned Chelsea Football Club. Born on April 6, 1965, in Astrakhan, a historic city along the Volga River in southern Russia, Olga grew up in a family deeply connected to the country’s political landscape. But few know the woman who stood beside him at the beginning of his journey to success.
This article reveals the complete story of Olga Yurevna Lysova. You’ll learn about her privileged upbringing, her pivotal role in Abramovich’s early business ventures, and how she built a private life away from the spotlight after their divorce.
Who is Olga Yurevna Lysova?
Olga Yurevna Lysova was Roman Abramovich’s first wife, married from 1987-1990. Born in 1965 to a high-ranking diplomat, she met Abramovich in 1987 at age 23. They co-founded a doll-making company together before divorcing. She later married musician Stefan Stefanovich and now manages his career from Moscow.
Early Life and Diplomatic Background
Her father, a high-ranking government diplomat, provided a unique upbringing that exposed her to politics and international affairs from an early age. This background shaped her worldview and gave her the sophistication that would later attract a young entrepreneur.
In her youth, Lysova entered a relationship with an actor, which led to the birth of her first child, Nastya. Becoming a single mother at a young age did not deter ambitions. Instead, she focused on raising her daughter while pursuing her own goals.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
Abramovich, then 20, spotted Olga, 23-year-old daughter of a high-ranking government diplomat, across a crowded restaurant in Ukhta in northern Russia’s Komi Republic in the summer of 1987. Despite their age difference and different life stages, the connection was immediate.
Afraid Olga would reject him, he sent a friend over to ask the geology student to dance. Olga accepted. “I thought he was very handsome,’ she says.
The Marriage Years: Building an Empire Together
In December 1987, following a brief stint in the Soviet Army, he married Olga Yurevna Lysova; they divorced in 1990. Their three-year marriage proved crucial for Abramovich’s business development.
Their First Business Venture
The couple co-founded a company producing plastic dolls, marking Abramovich’s first significant business venture. This collaboration highlighted their shared ambition and laid the foundation for his future success.
In 1988, as perestroika created opportunities for privatisation in the Soviet Union, Abramovich gained a chance to legitimise his old business. He and his first wife, Olga, set up a company making dolls.
The End of Their Partnership
Within, three years the couple decided to divorce so that they could emigrate to Canada. Unfortunately that never happened. Roman married his second wife, Irina instead. The marriage ended in 1990, but their business collaboration had already set the stage for Abramovich’s future empire.
Life After Abramovich: Reinvention and Privacy
In the years that followed, Olga put her first husband to the back of her mind and moved on. She married a musician called Stefan Stefanovich and now manages his career from their split-level apartment in one of Moscow’s highrise blocks.
Current Life and Career
While Olga Yurevna Lysova never publicly discussed her finances, it’s believed she holds a modest net worth of approximately $2 to $3 million as of 2025. Most of this wealth likely comes from real estate investments and managerial roles in the music world.
She still owns the flat in Tsvetnoi Boulevard which she rents out and even has the Soviet-era sofabed which she shared with Abramovich after they married.
Family Relationships
Throughout life’s transitions, Olga Yurevna Lysova maintained a strong bond with her daughter, Nastya. Born from an earlier relationship, Nastya remained a constant presence, even as Abramovich’s fame and fortune grew.
Olga Lysova vs Other Abramovich Wives
Here’s how Olga Lysova compares to Abramovich’s other wives:
| Wife | Marriage Years | Background | Children Together | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olga Lysova | 1987-1990 | Diplomat’s daughter | None (Olga had daughter from previous relationship) | Married to musician Stefan Stefanovich |
| Irina Malandina | 1991-2007 | Former Aeroflot stewardess | 5 children | Private life |
| Dasha Zhukova | 2008-2017 | Art collector, socialite | 2 children | Married to Stavros Niarchos III |
The Legacy of a Private Woman
Today, Olga is rarely mentioned in media, except in passing as Abramovich’s first wife. But her role in his early life was significant. She witnessed and contributed to his first steps as a businessman.
Unlike Abramovich’s later wives who remained in the public eye, Olga chose a different path. Unlike Abramovich, who became a global figure, Lysova opted for a quieter life, valuing privacy and independence.
Why Her Story Matters
Her story is a powerful reminder that not all important figures live loudly. While the world focused on Abramovich’s billions and later wives like Dasha Zhukova, Olga built a meaningful life on her own terms.
Her ability to navigate personal and professional challenges—from single motherhood to high-profile divorce—demonstrates remarkable resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olga Yurevna Lysova’s net worth?
Olga Yurevna Lysova’s estimated net worth is $2-3 million as of 2025, primarily from real estate investments and her work managing her husband’s music career.
How long was Olga Lysova married to Roman Abramovich?
Olga Yurevna Lysova and Roman Abramovich were married for 2 years. They dated for 11 months after getting together in 1987 and married in Dec 1987. 2 years later they divorced in 1990.
Who is Olga Lysova married to now?
She married a musician called Stefan Stefanovich and now manages his career from their split-level apartment in one of Moscow’s highrise blocks.
What business did Olga Lysova and Roman Abramovich start together?
The couple co-founded a company producing plastic dolls, marking Abramovich’s first significant business venture.
Olga Yurevna Lysova’s story is one of strength and reinvention. From diplomatic upbringing to influential marriage and subsequent ventures, she carved her own path away from the spotlight. Her journey proves that success doesn’t always require fame, and that choosing privacy over publicity can be its own form of power.
For more inspiring stories about remarkable people who choose quiet strength over loud fame, explore EarlyMagazine—where real stories matter and everyday courage gets the spotlight it deserves.
