Cole Palmer issues defiant message to critics after Chelsea’s Club World Cup heroics
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has shared a three-word message on social media after he fired the Blues to Club World Cup glory against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey.
Palmer took a few games to find his feet in early stages of the Club World Cup, but a fine opening goal in their quarter-final win over Palmeiras showed that he was ready to help Chelsea to go all the way in the first edition of the newly revamped tournament.
Enzo Maresca’s side were the underdogs heading into Sunday’s final against Champions League winners PSG, despite their extensive summer spending, with the French giants having conceded just one goal in the tournament ahead of the game.
The England international clearly did not fancy sticking to the script that saw PSG crush another opponent, though, as he turned on the style in the first-half with two goals and an assist for Joao Pedro to make it 3-0.
Palmer’s first strike saw him slot it home past Gianluigi Donnarumma in trademark style from the edge of the box, while his second was a similar finish after a mazy run forward, and the Blues saw the game out in the second period to be crowned world champions.
Palmer posts bullish message after standout CWC showing
Palmer’s impressive performance saw him named as Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament in the aftermath of the game, and the CWC is his second trophy as a Chelsea player after he notched two assists in their Europa Conference League triumph against Real Betis in May.
The emotions of the game were on full show following Chelsea’s win over PSG as Palmer used expletives in his post-match interview with DAZN, but he kept his message brief on Instagram on Monday (14 July) as he posted a number of pictures from the game with the caption: “Doubt us now.”
Palmer’s post was responded to by a number of teammates and fellow players, as Robert Sanchez replied: “Legendary,” Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall commented: “My guy thoo,” Dom Solanke said: “Coldest,” and Moises Caicedo, Jeremie Frimpong and Declan Rice were among those who liked his message.
Palmer likes to rise to the occasion in finals
Football Insider verdict
Palmer’s ‘cold’ mentality has grown into a huge topic of conversation online in recent years, and his exploits against PSG were just another example of his priceless ability to step up when the pressure is on in big moments.
Following this game, the 23-year-old has now scored five goals and provided three assists across six finals in his career so far, which works out at an impressive 1.68 goals or assists per 90 minutes, according to Transfermarkt.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 97 | 43 | 29 |
He is also just the third Chelsea player to score multiple goals in a final this century, alongside Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard, and Sunday’s heroics were close to a year to the day since he netted in the 2024 European Championships final for England against Spain.
For Blues boss Maresca, having a player of Palmer’s quality and control in his side must give him genuine confidence that the club can compete for a Premier League title very soon, and the longer he continues his outstanding record in finals, then the more trophies they will continue to win going forward.