Roberto De Zerbi’s amazing words about Mykhailo Mudryk from 2022 have come back into the spotlight as the deal gets close.
Roberto De Zerbi once said that the talented and “very sensitive” Mykhailo Mudryk has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. This comment has come back into the spotlight as Tottenham looks ready to bring the winger on a season-long loan.
Mudryk played under De Zerbi when he was at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, and now he’s agreed personal terms with Tottenham ahead of a deadline day move. Reports say the deal includes an option for Tottenham to buy him permanently for £75 million after the season. This comes three years after he moved to Chelsea for £88.5 million.
It’s been a tough time for the 25-year-old, who hasn’t played a competitive game for Chelsea since November 2024. But after clearing up his doping case with the FA last month, Mudryk is ready to restart his career with De Zerbi, who once said the winger could win football’s biggest individual prize.
Back in 2022, De Zerbi spoke highly of Mudryk when Brighton showed interest. He said, “Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t buy him. I like him, just like all my former players, but Brighton can’t buy Mudryk.” He added, “I believe Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or one day because I know how valuable he is.”
A few weeks later, De Zerbi said again that Mudryk could win the Ballon d’Or but described him as “very sensitive” and needing “affection.” In an interview with La Repubblica, he said, “Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. He’s a player of the highest level but also very sensitive. He needs love and support. We’ll see if he lives up to his potential.”
Mudryk faced a four-year ban from football starting June 2025, but after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his suspension was cut short. The ban followed a positive test for meldonium after his international duties with Ukraine in November 2024.
In July, after being allowed to play again, Mudryk shared a statement: “After a long fight, my four-year ban has been lifted, and I’m free to continue my career right away. I’m grateful this matter is settled, and I can now look forward to the future.”
He added, “This has been the hardest time in my career. I’ve always said I never knowingly took any banned substance. I’m committed to playing fairly and representing my club and country with honesty and respect.”
Mudryk also thanked his family, friends, Chelsea teammates, supporters, and legal team for their support. “My focus now is on getting back to football, working hard, and doing my best on the pitch,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me—I’m excited for the next chapter of my career.”