Chelsea legend Zola tips Palmer for next year’s Ballon d’Or award

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has thrown his full weight behind Chelsea’s golden boy, Cole Palmer to compete for the next Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to Mirror, Zola praised Palmer’s scintillating form since joining the Blues last summer.

Recall that Palmer finished 25th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings on Monday.

So far, the midfield maestro has scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 matches for Chelsea last season.
The Chelsea legend, however, urged the 22-year-old to step up his game, advising that there is still lots to be done to win the coveted prize next year.

“He needs to work a lot on his game, of course, because he is still young and there are things that can make him better.
“And if he does that, he can be in contention for the Ballon d’Or because the numbers and the skills are there.
“There is still work to do but potentially he can do that. He has a very, very good coach to work with in Maresca and I am sure he will make sure he works on that,” he said.

Punch Online had reported that Palmer was voted the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for September 2024 after his goal-scoring heroics against Brighton, Palmer also provided an assist in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and found the back of the net once again during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over West Ham United.