Cole Palmer: His 4 Favourite Players of All Time

Cole Palmer Declares Lionel Messi the GOAT, Reveals Footballing Idols

Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer, has emphatically settled the age-old debate for himself, naming Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time. the 23-year-old midfielder recently shared his personal pantheon of footballing greats,a list that places the Argentinian icon above even Cristiano Ronaldo.

Palmer, who joined Chelsea in 2023 after developing through the Manchester City academy, has quickly become a pivotal player for the Blues. Last season, he played a key role in securing both the UEFA conference League title – completing the full set of UEFA club trophies – and the FIFA Club World Cup under manager enzo Maresca.

When asked to name his top four players of all time,Palmer didn’t hesitate. “Messi, because he’s the GOAT,” he told Sports direct.He then rounded out his list with Neymar, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The enduring messi vs. Ronaldo debate shows no signs of abating, even after messi’s World Cup triumph in 2022. However, Palmer’s firm stance adds another voice to the chorus of those who consider Messi the superior player.

Did you know? – Cole Palmer’s arrival at Chelsea in 2023 marked a notable transfer from Manchester City, where he progressed through their youth academy. He signed a seven-year contract with the Blues.

Palmer’s admiration for Rooney is notably noteworthy, given his upbringing as a Manchester United supporter. He even expressed a desire to wear the iconic No. 10 shirt in homage to both Messi and Rooney. “Messi,the big one,Rooney and players like that. It’s just an iconic number. I wore No. 10 all my life growing up and I just like the number,” Palmer explained after securing the shirt number.

The connection to Rooney extends beyond mere admiration. The Manchester United and England legend recently recognized Palmer as his third-best player of the 2024-25 campaign, praising his influence despite a recent dip in goalscoring form.According to Rooney, speaking to Prime Video Sport, Palmer remains “really influential for Chelsea this season,” ranking only behind Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Pro tip: – The No. 10 shirt has historically been associated with creative playmakers and attacking stars, making palmer’s desire to wear it a statement of his ambition and playing style.

Last season, Palmer showcased his talent across 52 appearances, contributing 18 goals and 14 assists. His performances as an attacking midfielder were instrumental in guiding Chelsea to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and securing Champions league qualification. While a recent groin injury has hampered his fitness this season, he marked his first Champions League appearance for the club with a goal.

Given Palmer’s clear gratitude for Neymar’s skill, speculation is mounting that he, like many fans, hopes to see the Brazilian reunite with Messi at Inter Miami.

The young Chelsea star’s choices reveal not only his personal preferences but also a deep understanding of footballing history and the enduring legacy of its greatest players.

Reader question: – Do you think Palmer’s preference for Messi will influence his playing style or future career choices? Share your thoughts!