Chelsea’s Mudryk: from costly flop to potential Olympic star | OneFootball

Mykhailo Mudryk, the talented Ukrainian striker from Chelsea, seems ready for a radical change in his sports career.

Chelsea's Mudryk, from millionaire flop to potential Olympic athlete: the shocking change of course

After the doping disqualification that has kept him away from the fields since December 2024, Mudryk is considering a switch from high-level football to track and field, with the aim of participating in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

From Shakhtar to Chelsea: a 100 million investment

Purchased by the Blues in 2023 for 100 million euros, Mudryk has never fully repaid the investment. His appearances in the Premier League have been intermittent and marked by ups and downs, with Chelsea fans and management disappointed by the lack of impact on the field. The doping suspension, confirmed by the FA in June 2025, has further slowed down his football career.

Speed as a new Olympic weapon

Speed has always been Mudryk's trademark: the same Ukrainian footballer has reached 36.67 km/h in acceleration, setting a record in the Premier League. This natural talent has led him to undertake an alternative path: specific training with Ukrainian sprinters, under the supervision of national coaches, to develop the endurance, technique, and performance necessary to compete at the Olympic level.

According to Marca, Mudryk is following a targeted program, designed to allow him to meet the parameters required by World Athletics and pass the Ukrainian national Trials of 2027, an indispensable prerequisite to aim for the 2028 Olympics.

A farewell to football full of regrets

The switch to athletics would mark a definitive farewell to football, with significant consequences for Chelsea and its fans. Mudryk, who has shown flashes of extraordinary talent but never fully consolidated, could turn a period of crisis into a unique opportunity: becoming one of the fastest athletes in the world in the 100 or 200 meters, capitalizing on a strength that already made a difference on the football fields.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.