Cole Palmer’s Unexpected Club World Cup Moment: Sharing the Podium with Donald Trump!

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Cole Palmer was filled with excitement as he celebrated Chelsea’s victory at the Club World Cup. Standing behind captain Reece James, who was receiving the trophy, Palmer didn’t expect to see U.S. President Donald Trump beside him.

“I knew he was going to be here, but I was surprised to see him on the stage when we lifted the trophy,” Palmer said, grinning.

Palmer shone on the field, earning the Golden Ball after scoring the first two goals in Chelsea’s impressive 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. After the ceremony, Trump also received a medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

At just 23, Palmer is becoming a standout player. He was named player of the match at Chelsea’s last two finals. Earlier this season, he assisted on two goals in a 4-1 victory over Real Betis, which secured the Europa Conference League title. He also scored in Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarterfinal win against Palmeiras and played for England in the 2024 European Championship final.

This weekend, his face lit up Times Square in a bold Nike ad featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. “It feels great to be up there with those players,” Palmer said, reflecting on his recent rise.

On the field, his skills were on full display. He netted two left-footed goals in the first half, with his first coming after a mishap from PSG’s Nuno Mendes led to an opening for Palmer. He confidently found the net, breaking PSG’s run of 436 minutes without conceding.

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, had a clear strategy to exploit space on PSG’s left side. “We set the tone right away,” he said. Palmer’s second goal came in the 30th minute when he cut inside after receiving a long pass, marking his 18th goal of the season.

“It’s amazing to prove the doubters wrong,” Palmer noted, highlighting how the team’s plan allowed them to shine. “The gaffer knew where the space was.”

The rise of players like Palmer illustrates a shift in the sport. Young talent is increasingly making waves, and fans are eager to see how their journeys unfold.

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