Alex Ovechkin, the celebrated hockey winger, recently faced complications with Russian tax authorities after failing to submit mandatory tax returns since 2023. The Federal Taxation Service (FNS) in Russia took action by freezing several of his bank accounts because Ovechkin operates as a self-employed individual renting intellectual property to sell merchandise.
Details Behind the Account Blocks and Tax Issues
Ovechkin’s financial troubles are tied to his status as an individual entrepreneur, a common legal form in Russia for freelancers and sole proprietors. Since there is no separation between personal and business finances under this registration, the freezing of his business accounts directly affected his personal bank accounts. The tax service progressively blocked two accounts in 2023, two more in 2024, and another most recently in July 2025 due to overdue declarations.
The hockey legend forgot about his individual entrepreneur and has not sent declarations since 2023,
a Telegram message from the sports tabloid Mash on Sports explained.
Ovechkin has no debts, only problems with the individual entrepreneur. Ovi once sold his merch through it.
Reassurances About the Situation and Its Resolution
Despite the account blocks, confirmation from a Match TV source indicated the situation is temporary and caused solely by an accounting oversight. The source assured that Ovechkin owes no taxes and that the problem will be resolved soon.
There are no problems, no debt either,
the source commented.
But the accountant did not submit the report on time, so the account was blocked. This issue will be closed soon.
Media Coverage and Public Attention on the Incident
This issue attracted coverage across various Russian and Belarusian media outlets, with headlines focusing on the closure of Ovechkin’s bank accounts and questions about why tax officials targeted the sports icon. The incident was widely reported as a notable financial disruption involving the legendary hockey player.
Ovechkin’s Financial Background and Personal Comments
Alex Ovechkin holds the record for the highest earnings in NHL history, accumulating roughly $161.7 million over his career, so managing his finances is a complex challenge. The hockey star has humorously admitted to not always tracking his wealth closely.
I don’t even know, Ovechkin stated last summer when asked about his net worth. When pressed whether he had over $100 million, he replied,
Of course not. How? There are taxes. If I had 100 million, I would be relaxing and drinking beer right now.
Real Estate Holdings in Both Russia and the United States
In addition to his income, Ovechkin owns several real estate properties spread across the United States and Russia. He confirmed in 2024 that he has invested in housing in Miami, Washington, and multiple locations in his home country.
Yes, [I invest in real estate],
Ovechkin said.
[In Russia], of course. We bought an apartment in Miami four years ago. I have a house in Washington. If I had planned to live there, I would have invested and bought there. And, in Russia, both for myself and for investments.
Current Status and Outlook
There is no recent update confirming that the tax-related bank restrictions have been fully lifted, but Ovechkin is reportedly preparing to return to the United States early next month. Given the assurance from Match TV and the nature of the tax issue, it appears the matter will be resolved shortly, allowing the hockey star to focus fully on his career and personal interests.