In a 2023 interview with Sky Sports, Palmer called Messi the GOAT (Greatest Player of All Time). Similarly, in a conversation with Goal last August, the 22-year-old continued to maintain his view that Messi is the best player in football history, despite the ongoing debate about other top names.

Since joining Chelsea from Man City in 2023, Palmer has wowed the Stamford Bridge crowd with his impressive performances. With his dexterous left foot and superb technique, the former Man City man has been compared to Messi by pundits including Gary Lineker.

In a recent interview with the Premier League, when asked a fun question: “Which three famous people (living or dead) would you choose to have Christmas dinner with?”, Palmer chose Lionel Messi, Jamaican music legend Vybz Kartel, and NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

“Lionel Messi because he’s the best soccer player ever. Second is Vybz Kartel, and third is Michael Jordan,” Palmer said, revealing the diverse influences in his life.

Continuing his impressive form for Chelsea, Palmer has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in just 19 appearances in all competitions this season. Meanwhile, team-mate Noni Madueke revealed that Palmer often resents being jokingly called the “Chippy Man.” The nickname comes from a viral moment earlier this year when Palmer told BBC Sport that his favourite post-match snack is chippy chips.

In the Chelsea dressing room, Palmer was the subject of much humorous teasing. Madueke shared with humor in an interview on Amazon Prime Video. “The thing about Palmer is that he really loves football so much that I feel like he could be out there playing football from morning to night,” Madueke shared.

Speaking of Palmer’s nickname, Madueke added with a smile: “It’s Chippy Man, I call Cole that all the time. He gets mad but it’s okay. Chippy, that’s him. Chippy chips. He’ll get mad when he hears that!”

Tonight (December 26), Palmer and Chelsea will face Fulham in round 18 of the 2024/25 Premier League.