Mykhailo Mudryk’s journey from a promising footballer to a figure at the center of international sporting intrigue has taken yet another unexpected turn. The Chelsea winger, once hailed as one of Europe’s fastest players, now finds himself at a crossroads, with reports suggesting he is eyeing a dramatic switch from the football pitch to the Olympic track. As the dust settles on a turbulent year marked by a doping suspension and uncertainty about his footballing future, Mudryk’s next move has become the subject of intense speculation across the sporting world.
Mudryk’s career at Chelsea began with enormous expectations. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a staggering fee—nearly 100 million euros, or up to £88 million—he was among the first marquee signings under new club owner Todd Boehly. His debut against Liverpool was electrifying, clocking a remarkable top speed of over 36 km/h, and instantly fueling comparisons to the fastest wingers in the game. But that initial spark soon faded. Injuries, inconsistent form, and fierce competition for places saw Mudryk drift from the limelight, struggling to cement his place as a regular starter.
The situation worsened dramatically in November 2024. Mudryk tested positive for meldonium, a banned performance-enhancing substance, during routine doping controls. The result was a provisional suspension from all competitive football. According to reports, he was stripped of his number ten shirt and has not played a single competitive match since Chelsea’s Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim late last year. The Football Association’s investigation remains ongoing, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expected to announce a final decision by the end of 2025. If found guilty, Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years, effectively derailing his football career at its prime.
Despite these setbacks, Mudryk has not faded from public view. Instead, rumors have swirled about a possible reinvention—one that could see him swap football boots for running spikes. Spanish sports daily Marca reported that the 24-year-old is now training with the Ukrainian national sprint team, with the audacious goal of representing Ukraine in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The idea, while unconventional, is not entirely without precedent. Mudryk’s raw speed—he reached 36.67 km/h in his Premier League debut, just a few kilometers per hour shy of the world’s elite sprinters—has always set him apart from his peers. But Olympic sprinting is a different beast altogether. The world’s best, such as Usain Bolt in his prime, routinely surpass 40 km/h. To even qualify for the Olympics, Mudryk would need to compete in Ukrainian sprint competitions by the summer of 2027 and meet the stringent World Athletics standards.
Yet, the path from football to track is fraught with challenges. While footballers are renowned for their explosive, short-burst speed, Olympic sprinting demands perfect technique, relentless discipline, and years of specialized training. Mudryk’s supporters argue that his athleticism and determination could help him bridge the gap, but skeptics abound. As one commentator put it, “The question is whether he can turn raw pace into elite sprinting ability.”
Adding to the intrigue are conflicting reports about Mudryk’s current status with Chelsea. While some sources suggest the club has already terminated his contract, there has been no official confirmation. As of now, Mudryk remains contractually tied to Chelsea until 2031, although his suspension means he is unable to participate in any football-related activities. The uncertainty extends to his relationship with Ukrainian athletics. According to Olha Nikolaiyenko, press secretary of the Ukrainian Athletics Federation, “No request has been received” from Mudryk to join the national sprint team. She added, “As long as the investigation into Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping case is ongoing, this is not and cannot even be a subject of discussion.” Olga Saladukha, the Federation’s president, echoed this sentiment: “Mykhailo Mudryk is not training with the national track and field team for any competitions. And we have not had any discussions regarding his transition to track and field.”
Despite the denials from official channels, the story has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. The notion of a footballer—especially one suspended for doping—making a successful leap to the Olympics is as much about redemption as it is about athletic prowess. Mudryk himself has reportedly maintained his innocence regarding the doping charge, claiming ignorance about the presence of meldonium in his system. But the reality is stark: until the investigation concludes, his future in both football and athletics hangs in the balance.
The broader context of Mudryk’s situation cannot be ignored. His transfer to Chelsea was one of the most expensive in the club’s history, and his early performances hinted at a bright future. Yet, the combination of off-field controversy and on-field struggles has left his career in limbo. For Chelsea, the saga is a reminder of the risks inherent in big-money signings—and the unpredictable twists that can shape a player’s trajectory. For Ukrainian athletics, the prospect of a high-profile crossover from football brings both opportunity and scrutiny, especially given the ongoing doping investigation.
If Mudryk does pursue a career in sprinting, he faces a steep learning curve. He would need to overhaul his training regimen, master the technical nuances of sprinting, and prove himself against seasoned athletes who have spent their lives honing their craft. “The road to the Olympics won’t be easy,” noted one report. “Mudryk will need to meet World Athletics’ minimum requirements and pass the Ukrainian trials in 2027.” The clock is ticking, and every month lost to suspension or uncertainty makes the challenge even greater.
Still, there’s a sense of admiration for Mudryk’s determination to stay relevant. Whether driven by courage, desperation, or a bit of both, his willingness to consider such a drastic career shift is a testament to his competitive spirit. As one observer put it, “Whether it’s the track or the pitch, he’s fighting to stay relevant. That alone deserves some respect.”
For now, all eyes remain on the pending decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Until Mudryk’s doping case is resolved, any talk of Olympic dreams or a future in athletics remains speculative. But one thing is clear: Mykhailo Mudryk’s story is far from over, and whatever happens next is sure to keep fans and observers alike on the edge of their seats.
