Cole Palmer won the Golden Ball Award for his outstanding performance in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
What happened?
He scored two goals and provided an assist in Chelsea's win, showcasing his skills on the right flank.
The 23-year-old's performance was impressive, with his selfless running and accurate technique allowing him to find space and score against PSG's defense.
Why it matters for Cole Palmer
His win is a significant milestone in his career, cementing his position as one of the game's superstars.
Cole Palmer's goals were a result of his ability to wriggle through bodies and find space, much like he did on a scooter in Times Square just 48 hours earlier.
What comes next?
Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, praised Palmer's performance, stating that the game plan was to create an overload in the area where Palmer was playing.
The plan worked, with Palmer's runs and passes causing trouble for PSG's defense, including his second goal, which was a near carbon-copy of his first.
Palmer's assist for Chelsea's third goal was also impressive, as he picked up the ball in his own half and drove forward to thread Joao Pedro through with a perfectly weighted pass.
The dovetailed runs of Palmer and Malo Gusto were particularly impressive, with one coming short and the other going forward, causing problems for PSG's defense.
As of July 14, 2025, Cole Palmer has established himself as a key player for Chelsea, with his performance in the Club World Cup final earning him the Golden Ball Award.