Sometimes, the way kids pick their heroes on the pitch surprises even the pros themselves.
Take Cole Palmer, for example.
He can’t quite wrap his head around why one of my kids proudly sports a Cole Palmer Chelsea shirt—even though he’s a die-hard Newcastle fan.
When those boys score a goal in the garden, their cheer is “COLD!” just like their older siblings have long hollered “SIUUU!” in honor of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Palmer isn’t just a player; he’s becoming this generation’s signature shout of joy.
When I ask why the Chelsea shirt, especially for a Newcastle fan, the answer is simple: Palmer’s appeal goes beyond club loyalties.
He’s the kind of player who invites fans to look past team rivalries.
“You transcend tribalism,” I tell Cole, and he seems to like that idea.
“Yeah, that’s nice,” he says, though not about to launch into any poetic speeches.
He just finds it “nice” that kids are inspired by what he does.
And what about the nickname, “Cold Palmer”?
“I don’t mind it,” he says with a laid-back shrug.
A Quiet Presence That Makes You Lean In
Being around Cole Palmer is strangely captivating.
It’s like watching an old silent movie—you have to lean closer and pay attention to catch what’s really going on.
We meet at England’s camp in Catalonia, the Camiral Golf & Wellness resort.
It’s tea time, and Thomas Tuchel’s given the players the afternoon off.
Cole’s just casually telling me about his bike ride earlier, simple and unassuming.
Interestingly, last summer, while cycling in Germany, Cole saw England’s backroom staff, led by Kieran Trippier and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, thrash the journalists 7-0.
“I don’t really remember it,” he admits, laughing.
No need for flattery here—he’s refreshingly honest about what he notices and what he doesn’t.
The Smile and the Struggle
Palmer played at the Euros mostly from the bench, yet when he was on the pitch, he did so with a sparkle, not the sullen attitude some others displayed.
“My mum tells me to be more smiley and involved,” he says, “but my dad says, ‘He’s just like me, so leave him alone.’ We’re both pretty laid back.”
That laid-back vibe even extends beyond football.
When asked about his experience at the Formula One in Barcelona this week, he confesses, “I fell asleep at Abu Dhabi’s Grand Prix. But I stayed awake for this one.”
It fits his style perfectly—he plays football like he’s got the remote in his hand, knowing when to speed up, slow down, or pause.
But this season wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Between January and May, Palmer went 18 games without scoring a goal.
When I ask why, he shrugs and says, “You tell me.”
Learning Through the Lows
At 23, with high expectations after a blistering first half of the season, that dry spell hit hard. But Cole is philosophical about it.
“It was one of those things,” he explains thoughtfully, “it lasted longer than I expected. I talked to people who told me it happens to every player, and when I get through it, I’ll be better than before.”
He’s aware that sudden dips in form can shake confidence, especially at a club like Chelsea.
“I did mind it, obviously, but I didn’t think it was the end of the world.”
The good news? Palmer found his rhythm again just in time, helping Chelsea qualify for the Champions League and clinch the Europa Conference League.
The Weight of Winning
Palmer’s collection of medals is a story in itself.
He was on the bench when Manchester City won the Champions League in 2023 but doesn’t quite feel like a winner.
“I don’t feel like a Champions League winner,” he says honestly.
“I played in the group stages, but it’s not the same when you’re not involved in the final.”
And yes, he still has the medal.
“I haven’t thrown it away!” he jokes, but the lack of attachment says a lot about his mindset.
Unlike many, he doesn’t cling to glory unless he’s truly earned it on the pitch.
The Calm Within the Storm
When it comes to what really gets under his skin, Cole struggles to think of anything.
“Maybe when I play PlayStation and lose,” he offers with a grin.
“I’m not a robot, you know. I do get annoyed sometimes, but not often in front of cameras.”
His calmness and coolness have become part of his off-field persona—a very Mancunian vibe with a modern twist.
“Off the pitch, I’m relaxed. But on the pitch, it’s like a switch flips.”
Just Being Himself
This chat winds down as Palmer prepares to rejoin his England teammates ahead of a World Cup qualifier.
The camp in Spain is all about getting ready for next summer’s finals in North America.
And you get the sense Cole is still adjusting to the spotlight that comes with fame.
Asked why he thinks kids look up to him, he answers simply, “I don’t know. I’m just being myself.”
Spending even half an hour with him gives you clues: he’s comfortable in his own skin, quietly confident, holding the keys to his own kingdom—while a million youngsters watch and dream, hoping for a chance to step inside.
Before he leaves, one last question: What should my son do with his Cole Palmer Chelsea shirt?
“Wear it!” he says with a smile, then he’s off.
Small talk, maybe, but the impression Cole Palmer leaves is anything but small.
So, what’s next for this quietly commanding young star?