The Ukrainian Athletics Federation has dismissed claims linking Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk with a switch from football to athletics.
Ukrainian Athletics Federation clears the air on Mudryk rumours
Reports out of Spain suggested Mykhailo Mudryk was preparing for life away from football by eyeing a future in track and field. The winger hasn’t featured for Chelsea since November 2024 due to a ban for a failed doping test. He was even rumoured to be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
His trademark speed, clocked at an eye-catching 36.67 km/h on his PL debut. That gave weight to the idea that he could pivot into sprinting. But, the Ukrainian Athletics Federation, through its press secretary Olha Nikolaiyenko, has flatly rejected the links. The statement made it clear that no discussions or plans exist regarding Mudryk joining their Olympic setup.
The whole saga started after Spanish outlet Marca published the claim before quietly taking it down. That added fuel to gossip about the 24-year-old’s next step. The winger was signed for nearly £89m amid massive hype in January 2023. But, the path has been anything but straightforward.
Career crossroads for Chelsea’s winger
Mudryk came onto the scene at Shakhtar Donetsk. He was in great form in both the Ukrainian league and the UCL. Chelsea was meant to be his stage, where he would shine, but that never happened. Now, with his ban from football, rumours of him trying his hand in athletics were always going to gain traction. Yet, the reality is different.
For now, Mudryk’s focus will likely remain tied to resolving his ban. He will be attempting to rebuild his career once the verdict arrives.
Author’s Opinion:
Mudryk still has time on his side, but he needs clarity on his football future before chasing any other options. Sprinting might sound fitting for his style, yet football remains the only stage where he truly belongs.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
