Imagine being recognized as one of the best in the world by your peers—an honor that only a select few achieve. That’s exactly what Cole Palmer experienced when he was named to the FIFPRO World 11, a prestigious award voted on by over 20,000 professional footballers from 68 countries. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Palmer believes his Chelsea teammate, Estevao, could follow in his footsteps and earn this distinction in the future. Could this young talent really rise to such heights?
The 2025 FIFPRO World 11 is dominated by Paris Saint-Germain, the defending Champions League winners, with five players making the cut, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has since moved to Manchester City. In contrast, Club World Cup winners Chelsea have only one representative: Palmer himself. The 23-year-old had a standout season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in the Premier League, leading the club in both categories. His inclusion in the World 11 came as no surprise, but Palmer expressed deep pride in being recognized by his fellow professionals.
'Being part of the FIFPRO World 11 is obviously a great honor,' Palmer told FIFPRO. 'To be voted by the other players is a nice feeling. They know what it takes to play the game at a high level, so to be chosen by them is the best feeling.'
But this is the part most people miss: Palmer isn’t just basking in his own success—he’s already looking ahead to who might join him in future editions. When asked to name a potential future FIFPRO 11 player, he didn’t hesitate: 'Estevao.' Palmer believes the 18-year-old has 'all the ability in the world to go on and do great things,' and he hopes Estevao can achieve that right there at Chelsea.
Estevao’s rapid rise at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable. This season, he’s become a vital part of the team’s attacking force, often stepping up as the primary creative spark, especially during Palmer’s injury absence. The young star has also spoken highly of Palmer, revealing that he’s been learning from the midfielder in training. But is Estevao truly ready for the global stage? Could he one day stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best?
This prediction from Palmer isn’t just a pat on the back for his teammate—it’s a bold statement about Estevao’s potential. Do you think Estevao has what it takes to make the FIFPRO World 11? Or is Palmer’s endorsement a bit too optimistic? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
