SBOTOP: Cole Palmer Named England Men's Player of the Year for 2023-24

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has capped off an extraordinary season by being named the England men’s player of the year for 2023-24. In a public vote, Palmer triumphed over some of the biggest names in world football, including Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, who finished second and third, respectively. The award is a testament to Palmer’s rapid rise on both the club and international stages and highlights his remarkable impact during a transformative year for the young forward.

A Breakout Year for England

Palmer’s journey with the England senior team has been nothing short of sensational. Having made his debut for the Three Lions in November 2023 in a 2-0 victory over Malta at Wembley, Palmer quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in English football. Despite having only nine caps for his country, the 21-year-old has already made a lasting impression, not least at Euro 2024.

At the European Championship, Palmer played a pivotal role for Gareth Southgate’s side, starting in five of England’s matches. His standout moment came in the final against Spain, where he scored for England in what would ultimately be a 2-1 defeat. Though England narrowly missed out on the trophy, Palmer’s performances earned widespread praise, and his contribution in the final solidified his status as one of the team’s key players for the future.

Beating Bellingham and Saka

The award for England men’s player of the year is particularly significant as it is voted for by the public, demonstrating Palmer’s growing popularity among fans. That Palmer was able to outshine more established stars such as Jude Bellingham, who has been a revelation at Real Madrid, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who continues to be a driving force for club and country, speaks volumes about the impression Palmer has made on the footballing community.

Bellingham and Saka have both enjoyed fantastic individual seasons, yet it was Palmer’s ability to step up in big moments and his consistent performances for both Chelsea and England that resonated most with voters. His versatility, composure, and attacking instinct have quickly become hallmarks of his game, and his determination to seize opportunities on the international stage is something England fans have come to admire.

A Stellar Season at Chelsea

Palmer’s domestic form has also been crucial to his receiving this prestigious accolade. Having made a bold switch from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Palmer wasted no time in announcing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars. In his debut season at Stamford Bridge, he found the back of the net an astonishing 25 times across all competitions, playing a key role in Chelsea’s attacking setup.

His ability to score from a variety of positions, coupled with his creativity and vision, made him a vital asset for Chelsea throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Palmer’s performances earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award in August, further highlighting his growing reputation within the game. It was his form at Chelsea that laid the groundwork for his England recognition, as he consistently proved himself against some of the toughest defenses in both domestic and European competitions.