Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is reportedly preparing to abandon football altogether and pursue a new professional path — athletics.
According to Marca, the Ukrainian speedster is now training with a former Olympian from his country’s national sprint team as he eyes a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The shocking career switch comes in the wake of his ongoing doping ban case, which has kept him sidelined since November 2024.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a staggering €100 million, made 73 appearances for the Blues, recording 10 goals and 8 assists. Renowned for his lightning pace — he clocked 36.67 km/h in his debut against Liverpool — the winger hopes to channel that speed into a potential track career.
However, his football career hangs by a thread as he faces allegations of ingesting meldonium, a banned substance. If found guilty, the 24-year-old could face a ban of up to four years.
Chelsea have already moved on, with his shirt number reassigned to Cole Palmer. Despite the controversy, Mudryk has continued to maintain his innocence.
With the Olympics on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether the winger-turned-sprinter can rewrite his story and bring glory to Ukraine on the track.
