U.S. President Donald Trump turned heads in the football world this week by posting an unexpected tribute to Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer, on his official Instagram story. Accompanying a photo of Trump about to present Palmer with his Club World Cup medal, the former president quipped, “He reminds me a lot about myself. Wins everywhere he goes.”
Palmer’s dazzling performance in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup final certainly backs up Trump’s praise. The 22-year-old playmaker scored twice and set up a third goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, earning him the tournament’s Golden Ball award for best player. His knack for delivering on the big stage has firmly established him as one of England’s most exciting young talents.
The Instagram shout-out quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of social-media reaction from football fans and pundits alike. Many were amused by the presidential endorsement, noting that it added a surprising political twist to the usually insular world of club football. For Palmer, however, the moment was just another accolade in what has been a breakthrough season.
As the 2025/26 campaign approaches, all eyes will be on Palmer to see if he can maintain his remarkable form. Whether or not one agrees with Trump’s self-comparison, there’s no denying that it has magnified the spotlight on a young player whose career is already on a meteoric rise.
-Deeprows Sports
Photo and video credit: DAZN
