10 Mykhailo Mudryk

Mykhailo Petrovych Mudryk (Ukrainian: Михайло Петрович Мудрик) was born on January 5, 2001, in Berestyn, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. Raised as an Orthodox Christian, he has often spoken about the importance of faith, a value instilled by his grandmother. His most cherished tattoo reads “Only Jesus.” Among his friends and coaches, he is known as “Misha.”

Early Career and Shakhtar Donetsk

Mudryk began his footballing journey in 2010 at Metalist Kharkiv before moving to Dnipro’s academy in 2014. He joined Shakhtar Donetsk’s youth ranks in 2016 and made his professional debut on October 31, 2018, in a Ukrainian Cup match against Olimpik Donetsk.

After struggling for game time, Mudryk was loaned to Arsenal Kyiv in early 2019 and later to Desna Chernihiv in 2020, where he gained experience in the Ukrainian Premier League and UEFA Europa League qualifiers.

Breakthrough at Shakhtar (2021–2023)

Returning to Shakhtar in 2021, Mudryk thrived under Roberto De Zerbi’s management, who saw his potential and granted him more first-team opportunities. He made his UEFA Champions League debut on August 25, 2021, and scored his first senior goal on September 18, 2021, in a 5–0 win over Mariupol.

His performances in the 2022–23 season were exceptional, including a stellar Champions League showing against RB Leipzig and Celtic. He finished the season with seven goals and six assists in 12 matches, earning the title of Ukrainian Footballer of the Year and Shakhtar’s Player of the Year.

Record-Breaking Move to Chelsea

On January 15, 2023, Chelsea signed Mudryk on an eight-and-a-half-year contract for an initial €70 million (£62 million), with potential add-ons increasing it to €100 million (£89 million). This deal made him the most expensive Ukrainian footballer in history.

His Chelsea debut came on January 21, 2023, in a goalless draw against Liverpool. He scored his first Chelsea goal on October 2, 2023, against Fulham, followed by a stunning long-range strike at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal on October 21. He continued to impress, scoring an equalizer in an EFL Cup match against Newcastle United in December 2023.

Doping Allegations and Suspension

On December 17, 2024, Mudryk was provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldonium. His second urine sample is pending analysis.

Mudryk progressed through Ukraine’s youth teams, representing the U17, U19, and U21 squads. He played a key role in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, registering two assists.

His senior international debut came on June 1, 2022, in Ukraine’s 3–1 victory over Scotland in a FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff. He scored his first senior goal on October 17, 2023, in a 3–1 Euro 2024 qualifying win against Malta. On March 26, 2024, he secured Ukraine’s place in Euro 2024 with a decisive goal against Iceland in the qualifying play-off final.