Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been awarded the England Men’s Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season, as announced by the English Football Association on Tuesday. The 22-year-old topped the voting by England supporters, beating out Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who finished in second place, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who came in third.
Palmer was presented the award by his England teammate John Stones and the Man City center-back made sure he did so in style. Holding the award, Stones said: “It’s for you, lad!” Palmer looked completely stunned as he took the award.“That for me?” the 22-year-old replied. “Are you messing?” “I swear!” Stones laughed.
“It’s been a dream debut season for me,” Palmer said at the awards. “Thank you to the manager, staff, players and, of course, the fans. I just came to play to showcase my abilities and talent to the fans. It’s gone amazing, probably better than I’d imagined. Buzzing!”
And on who he voted for, Palmer said: “I voted for Malo Gusto. I love playing with him on the right. He’s been amazing this season when he’s played as well.”
Cole Palmer is your England Men's Player of the Year connected by @EE 👏
Congratulations, Cole! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wKMsOZaiT6
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
Palmer earned his first cap for England in a 2-0 victory against Malta in November 2023 and has since made nine appearances for the senior team, including five outings at Euro 2024, during which he scored two goals. One of his goals came during the final loss to Spain in Berlin in July, following his crucial assist for Ollie Watkins’ late winner in the semifinal against the Netherlands.
The ex-Manchester City star has been in excellent form for his club, netting 22 goals in the Premier League last season and adding six more in the first seven matches of the current campaign. Palmer is currently training with the England squad as they get ready for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, facing Greece at Wembley on Thursday, followed by an away match against Finland three days later.
Earlier this season, Palmer made history by becoming the first player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League match, netting all of Chelsea’s goals in their 4-2 victory over Brighton.
The 22-year-old is the first Chelsea player to earn this accolade since Ashley Cole in 2010, joining Frank Lampard as the only Blues player to have received the honor. Previous winners include Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who took the award for the last two seasons, as well as Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
