Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer names the best player in the world

Chelsea‘s season hasn’t gone exactly to plan, and England star Cole Palmer’s brilliance faded slightly toward the tail end of the campaign. Still, the Blues are finishing strong. The club currently sits fifth in the Premier League standings, has secured a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League, and is preparing to face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final.

Despite the ups and downs, Palmer made headlines this week for praising one of Europe’s fastest-rising stars: Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. In an interview with Sky Sports, the England young star didn’t hold back his admiration for the 17-year-old Spanish international.

“Lamine Yamal? It’s mad, innit? I honestly think he’s the best player in the world,” said Palmer. “I feel like everything they do goes through him. And when you watch him—[just] mad!”

Palmer was then asked how difficult it must be to perform at such a high level at such a young age. He responded with a laugh, “I don’t know, I never tried it!” He continued, “He’s got confidence, got no fear, and I love watching him.”

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates after winning the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain.

Palmer also reacted to Yamal’s stunning performances in Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan. “It’s not just his technique, it’s also his mentality and maturity. He has ridiculous confidence and no fear of taking players on, even at his age,” Palmer added.

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Lamine Yamal’s breakout year

At just 17, Yamal has become the centerpiece of Barcelona’s sporting project. His influence on the pitch extends far beyond goals and assists. With speed, creativity, and elite decision-making, he constantly puts defenders under pressure and opens up space for his teammates.

Though some questioned his end product earlier in the season, the teenager has silenced many of those critics. Yamal has notched 16 goals this season, and while there’s still room for growth in his finishing, the consistency he’s shown is remarkable for his age.

He’s also delivered in the biggest matches. Across all soccer competitions, Yamal has recorded over 40 goal contributions—including three goals and two assists against rivals Real Madrid. Those are staggering numbers for a player still in his teens.