Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has unveiled a new hairstyle, swapping his signature blonde hair for dark brown locks as his lengthy absence from Premier League action continues. The Ukraine international hasn’t featured for nearly 12 months whilst awaiting a decision on a possible suspension following an adverse doping test result. In December 2024, Mudryk confirmed he had returned a positive test for a banned substance.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened,” he said at the time. The 24-year-old, who arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 in a transfer valued at up to £89million, made his final appearance for the Blues during a Conference League triumph over Heidenheim in November 2024. His most recent involvement in a Premier League matchday squad came on December 1 last year, when he remained on the bench throughout Chelsea’s fixture against Aston Villa.
Serhii Palkin, chief executive of Mudryk’s previous club Shakhtar, posted an image on social media showing the player sporting his fresh dark brown hairstyle. The photograph was captured during discussions about a forthcoming documentary, centred on the renowned football club and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Also present in the picture was former Shakhtar manager Igor Jovicevic. The Croatian tactician led the Ukrainian outfit during the 2022/23 campaign, when they transferred Mudryk to Chelsea, and currently manages in Poland.
A number of supporters noticed that, alongside the fresh haircut, Mudryk is sporting Chelsea merchandisve in the photograph. “He still loves Chelsea,” commented one fan, whilst another expressed optimism that the expensive acquisition might soon return to the pitch.
“Still repping, Chels, I want to be in the universe where it all worked out,” a third supporter remarked. “He’s so Chels it hurts” was another’s response after spotting the club crest.
Mudryk was in Poland when Chelsea secured last season’s Conference League trophy, and had discussions with boss Enzo Maresca at that time. However, since then, the club have brought in new wide players Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, whilst handing Mudryk’s former No.10 jersey to Cole Palmer.
“I spoke with Mischa in Poland when we played the Conference League Final,” Maresca said in June. “We haven’t spoken since. There is nothing I can add. I don’t have more information. Mischa is a Chelsea player. Until he is not, I will trust. It’s not just about Mischa. It’s in general with all the players.”