Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Cole Palmer recently shared his views on the current footballing landscape, identifying Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe as the top players in the sport today.
While Palmer acknowledged the Brazilian star Vinicius as a top contender, he ultimately leaned towards the French forward Mbappe as his preferred choice for the best player in the world.
“Best player in the world now? I would say Vinicius or Mbappe. Let me say Mbappe,” the midfielder told GOAL (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Palmer’s opinion reflects the growing consensus in football that these two players are among the elite, both known for their immense skill, pace, and ability to change the course of a match.
Top talents at Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr., a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or, has been a standout performer in recent seasons, becoming a key figure for both club and country.
His influence within the team has earned him a place among football’s best, and his consistent performances in La Liga and the Champions League have helped him solidify his reputation.
On the other hand, Mbappe has been a global superstar for several years now, although his recent struggles at Real Madrid paint a different picture.
Known for his speed, clinical finishing, and high footballing IQ, Mbappe has become one of the most feared attackers in world football.
His ability to perform at the highest level in every competition sets him apart, which likely influenced Palmer’s decision to rank him above Vinicius.
Palmer’s recognition of these two players highlights the ongoing debate among fans and pundits about who truly holds the title of the best footballer in the world, especially after the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era.
While both Vinicius and Mbappe have their unique strengths, Palmer’s choice of Mbappe reflects the Frenchman’s sustained dominance and impact on the game, making him a standout star in modern football.