Chelsea star makes history, beats Salah, Saka, Haaland, Rodri to FSA Player of the Year award

Cole Palmer has made Chelsea history by becoming the first player from the club to win the prestigious Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) Men’s Player of the Year award, Soccernet.football reports.

The young midfielder triumphed over an elite field, including Rodri, Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, and Ollie Watkins, to further cement his impressive rise since joining the Blues.

Palmer’s recognition highlights the extraordinary impact he has had at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester City for a reported £40 million.

Initially, some doubted the transfer’s value, but Palmer’s performances have silenced critics. His contributions in goals and assists have been nothing short of transformative for Chelsea.

Reflecting on the honour, the Football Supporters’ Association — a body representing fans across England — celebrated Palmer’s standout displays. The FSA awards, held annually, recognize excellence across various categories, including players, pundits, and media.

Palmer’s influence was evident again over the weekend when he scored a sensational goal to help Chelsea secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Despite experiencing a quieter patch in form recently, his ability to deliver in crucial moments has been a defining feature of his game.

Palmer, who was a member of the England team that reached the final of the European Championships in the summer, has propelled Chelsea to second place on the Premier League table.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues have picked up 25 points, same as Arsenal, and nine fewer than league leaders Liverpool.