So, it turns out Cole Palmer isn’t dodging germs or making a fashion statement when he wears a face mask on team flights.

The real reason? He just can’t stand the smell of airplanes.

Yep, that’s it.

The 23-year-old Chelsea star recently put the curiosity to rest after turning heads when he stepped off the team jet in the U.S. wearing a disposable face mask.

And no, it wasn’t a joke.

“It’s Just the Smell, I Swear” — Palmer Explains

Palmer, who had just wrapped up a stint with England, flew straight to Philadelphia to join Chelsea for their Club World Cup campaign.

When reporters asked about the face covering, he explained:

“It weren’t a joke.

I just don’t like the smell of planes.

The air-conditioning, the smell — I just don’t like it.

That’s why I wear a mask, nothing else.”

His teammate Enzo Fernandez had previously laughed it off, thinking maybe Palmer was just being cheeky — but Palmer admitted he hadn’t even told Enzo the real reason.

Making Noise on the Pitch, Too

Palmer might’ve grabbed attention off the pitch, but he’s doing just as much on it.

In Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup match, they beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta — though the stadium was noticeably empty, with just 22,000 fans in a 75,000-seater venue.

The young midfielder stood out with his usual calm and creativity, something that didn’t go unnoticed by new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.

Coach Maresca Wants More of This Cole

After the match, Maresca praised Palmer for stepping up — especially after previously saying he was “bored” during the team’s UEFA Conference League final win because of the slow tempo.

“I told him, ‘If you were bored, why not do something about it from minute one?’” Maresca said.
“Today, he showed initiative, took on defenders — that’s the Cole we want.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: he’s our best player.”

Eyes on Flamengo Next

Chelsea’s next test comes against Brazilian side Flamengo on Friday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the second of their three group-stage matches in the Club World Cup.

If Palmer continues to impress — mask or no mask — Chelsea fans have a lot to look forward to.