Enzo Maresca has officially named Cole Palmer as Chelsea’s new captain for the opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League season, praising the 23-year-old as the team’s “talisman” after an outstanding individual season that ended with a FIFA Club World Cup title.
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023 for £42.5 million, Palmer has quickly grown into a key figure at Stamford Bridge.
His impressive performances during the 2024/25 season, which saw him notch 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 Premier League matches, earned him the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. He also made a significant mark on the international stage, scoring in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands.
Palmer was equally vital in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph, where he delivered two assists in their 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Maresca highlighted that Palmer’s leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, have made him a natural choice for the captaincy.
“He’s not only a brilliant player but also sets the tone for the entire squad,” said the Chelsea manager. “He leads by example and embodies what we want this team to be.”
This appointment marks a pivotal change in Chelsea’s leadership, especially after years of relying on experienced players such as Thiago Silva and Reece James. With Silva leaving the club in 2024 and James currently recovering from a minor injury, Maresca believes Palmer is the right person to guide a relatively young squad.
“Despite his age, he shows maturity beyond his years,” Maresca said, adding that the dressing room already sees him as a figure to look up to.
Palmer’s journey from a fringe player at Manchester City to Chelsea’s main man has been nothing short of remarkable.
Initially seen as a gamble due to his limited playing time at City, he has silenced critics with clutch performances — including a December hat-trick against Tottenham and a decisive goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Able to play both as a No. 10 and a winger, Palmer’s calm demeanor and technical skill have made him an essential part of the team.
Off the field, his humility and dedication have earned the admiration of his teammates, with defender Levi Colwill describing him as “a leader who doesn’t need to raise his voice.”
Chelsea’s first league match of the season — against Palmer’s former club Manchester City — will be a major test of his leadership. The match, a follow-up to last season’s thrilling 4-4 draw, carries extra emotional weight, especially for Palmer.
However, Maresca, who previously worked with Pep Guardiola at City, is confident that Palmer’s knowledge of their playing style gives Chelsea a tactical edge.
The recent Club World Cup victory has energized the squad, with new additions like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap already blending well with the existing team.
Still, Chelsea’s failure to finalize a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has left added pressure on Palmer to continue delivering in front of goal. Maresca, though, remains unfazed, expressing confidence in Palmer’s ability to lead the frontline while the club explores further transfer options.
Palmer’s captaincy also reflects the long-term vision of Chelsea’s leadership under Maresca and co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali — a shift towards developing a young, dynamic squad.
With an average age of just 24, the team is clearly being built with the future in mind, and Palmer sits at the heart of that plan.
His current contract runs for four years, with an option for an extra year, giving Chelsea some protection amid growing interest from top European clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
As the Blues prepare for a challenging campaign that includes Champions League action and a possible title run, Palmer’s leadership will be instrumental. Maresca’s decision to hand him the armband symbolizes a new chapter at Stamford Bridge — one led by youth, ambition, and the undeniable rise of Cole Palmer.
