Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk has found an unconventional method to maintain his fitness during his enforced absence from the first team, bench pressing his new girlfriend in a social media video that has captured widespread attention.
Doping Suspension and Training Restrictions
The Ukraine international has been sidelined since November 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. In the subsequent year and a half, Mudryk, who was formally charged by the Football Association last June, has been prohibited from participating in training sessions with Liam Rosenior's squad at Chelsea's Cobham training ground.
Unorthodox Fitness Regime
While the winger has previously trained on the pitch at semi-professional side Uxbridge FC, his latest fitness display appears even more unusual. Influencer Jordyn Jones shared a video on social media showing the 25-year-old footballer using her as a weight during a bench press exercise in a private gym setting.
The video was simply captioned with three biting-lip emojis, while Mudryk demonstrated impressive strength by lifting the former child star with apparent ease. The Chelsea player later responded to the post with a romantic message: 'M & J (gift-wrapped heart)'.
Developing Relationship Timeline
Although the exact beginning of Mudryk and Jones' relationship remains unclear, the American influencer has frequently shared photographs of herself wearing Chelsea merchandise and jerseys, despite being unable to watch her boyfriend from the stands due to his ongoing suspension.
Observant social media users have noted that Mudryk left numerous romantic messages in Jones' Instagram comments section throughout 2025. The UEFA Conference League winner initially invited Jones to Disneyland before their apparent in-person connection, with the couple later seeming to visit the Parisian amusement park together.
Social Media Clues and London Visits
Jones shared a screenshot of Mudryk's original invitation to her Instagram Stories, captioning it '6 months ago vs' before posting a photograph of herself at the park gates with the message: 'fast forward six months (princess emoji). I'm glad I unblocked you (Mudryk's profile tagged)'.
In January, Jones posted a carousel of photographs geotagged to London that included a TikTok screenshot showing an airplane window with the text: 'Took a flight. Changed my life for the better. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing', seemingly alluding to her developing relationship with the suspended footballer.
Mudryk's Low Profile and Future Uncertainty
In contrast to his girlfriend's active social media presence, Mudryk has maintained a relatively low profile since his doping charge, posting only sporadic updates to his followers. Addressing his fans at New Year, the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger urged them not to 'give up' on him.
'Happy New year to all my fans,' Mudryk wrote. 'I just wanted to say thank you for your support. I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me as I do not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon.'
The footballer, who could face up to a four-year ban if the doping charge is proven, did participate in Chelsea's Conference League title celebrations last summer. However, there remains no clarity regarding when his case will reach a definitive conclusion, leaving his professional future in considerable uncertainty.
