Mykhailo Mudryk has been spotted with a new hairstyle, swapping his signature blond locks for dark brown hair, as the Chelsea winger continues to await the outcome of his doping case. The 24-year-old Ukrainian has not played for the Blues since November 2024, when he featured in a Conference League victory over Heidenheim.
Mudryk acknowledged in December 2024 that he had tested positive for a banned substance, stating it came as a “complete shock” and that he had never knowingly used any prohibited substances. He is currently working with his team to investigate how the positive test occurred.
The £89 million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk last appeared in a Premier League matchday squad on December 1, 2024, as an unused substitute against Aston Villa. Since then, Chelsea have added wingers Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, while Cole Palmer has taken Mudryk’s former No. 10 shirt.
Serhii Palkin, CEO of Shakhtar, shared a photo on social media showing Mudryk with his new look at a meeting about an upcoming film focusing on the club and the war in Ukraine. Former Shakhtar manager Igor Jovicevic was also pictured. Fans noted Mudryk was wearing Chelsea gear, with one commenting: “He still loves Chelsea.”
Manager Enzo Maresca previously said he spoke with Mudryk in Poland during last season’s Conference League final but has not spoken since. “Mischa is a Chelsea player. Until he is not, I will trust,” Maresca said in June.
