Club World Cup: Cole Palmer cites two idols' inspiration for iconic number switch

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has expressed his pleasure at changing his squad number from 20 to 10 during the off-season.

The Englishman joined the London outfit from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 and has become the club’s most decisive player in years one and two at Stamford Bridge.

Having worn No. 20 in his first two seasons, Palmer has now switched to the iconic No. 10 ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, replacing Mykhailo Mudryk, who is currently provisionally suspended following an adverse finding in a routine urine test.

The attacking midfielder has explained that although he wore No. 10 throughout his youth, his decision was influenced by his footballing idols, specifically Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney, both renowned for wearing the iconic number.

“I wore No.10 growing up and I like the number,” Palmer said. “Lionel Messi is, obviously, the big one [who has worn the number] and then players like Wayne Rooney – it’s just a really iconic number.”

After facing Flamengo, Chelsea will face Tunisian outfit Esperence on June 25 in their final group stage game. 

The Blues could seal qualification from Group D with maximum points in Friday’s fixture.