Chelsea’s Cole Palmer clinches England Player of the Year award

The Football Association announced on Tuesday that Cole Palmer, a midfielder for Chelsea, has been selected the England Men's Player of the Year for the 2023–24 campaign. Palmer, 22, became the clear winner among the supporters, finishing ahead of Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, who placed second, and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, who placed third and had won the prize the previous two years.

Palmer has subsequently won nine caps for England, having made his first senior appearance in a 2-0 home win over Malta in November 2023. He made five appearances and scored two goals during Euro 2024; one of those goals came during England's final loss to Spain in Berlin. In the semi-final match against the Netherlands, he was crucial in helping Ollie Watkins score a late winner.

Palmer has been on a roll for his team, tallying six goals throughout seven Premier League games so far this season. With his win, Chelsea's player Ashley Cole—who is also England's assistant coach—became the first to win the award since 2010.

John Stones, a teammate, made sure to present it to him appropriately. Ahead of the forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Finland, Stones can be seen entering the cryotherapy chamber at the England camp in a video that has been uploaded on the country's X account.

Cole Palmer’s incredible 2023/24 campaign

In the video posted on social media, John Stones presented the Chelsea midfielder with the award. Palmer appeared to be utterly taken aback as he accepted the prize. He said, "That for me?" the 22-year-old said. "Are you messing?" John Stones replied laughingly and said, "I swear!" 

The Chelsea player won the award for best male player for the Three Lions in 2023–2024, beating off Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, the winner from the previous year, in second and third place, respectively. During Euro 2024, he additionally participated in five matches and scored twice, once versus Spain during the final match. In just 54 games for Chelsea, Palmer has racked up an incredible 31 goals as well as 20 assists.