Cole Palmer: "Best feeling" to be chosen for World 11 by fellow players
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer described it as a great honor and the best feeling to be selected for the FIFPRO Men’s World 11, an award voted on by professional footballers themselves. Over 20,000 players from 68 countries participated in choosing the team of the year.
“Being part of the FIFPRO World 11 is obviously a great honour and to be voted by the other players is a nice feeling,” said Palmer. “They know what it takes, obviously, to play the game at a high level, so to be voted by them is the best feeling.”
The FIFPRO World 11 is unique because it is determined solely by players rather than journalists, coaches, or fans. The selection covered performances from 15 July 2024 to 3 August 2025, during which Palmer contributed significantly to Chelsea’s success, helping secure both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. He was also named the best player at the Club World Cup.
Palmer is among six debutants in the 2025 Men’s World 11, signaling the rise of a new generation of football talents. The other newcomers include Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembele.
When asked which new face might feature in future editions, Palmer replied: “Estevao.”
Author’s Summary
Cole Palmer celebrated his FIFPRO World 11 inclusion as a career milestone, symbolizing peer recognition and highlighting football’s new wave of standout performers.