Cole Palmer follows Gareth Bale example with surprise career decision

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has seen a significant decision move forward whilst he continues his recovery from injury, as he has now registered a trademark for 'Cold Palmer'. The 23-year-old has been absent for the past four matches with a groin complaint after returning from an earlier spell on the sidelines following just 145 minutes of action.

The Blues have managed reasonably well without him, securing three victories from a potential five during his injury lay-off. Enzo Maresca has been struck by additional fitness concerns in recent weeks, though, with several players unavailable for the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Those worries were amplified when Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong suffered knocks with Reece James, who has subsequently pulled out of the England squad, forced to slot into central defence.

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Maresca was prevented from offering any fitness updates following the match, having been shown a red card, which stopped him from conducting a press conference.

The Chelsea manager has stayed tight-lipped regarding Palmer's situation particularly, though he did seem to suggest that a major choice would be taken in the coming weeks.

"Cole is still out," Maresca acknowledged prior to the Liverpool clash. "I don't have any updates at the moment. We have a meeting this week to see how he is, and we will then decide [whether he can return after the international break]."

A minor update on his recovery was inadvertently revealed during Saturday evening's celebrations when he was accidentally bumped into by Jorrel Hato, causing him to feel a twinge in his groin almost instantly.

This instinctive reaction, two weeks after being pulled out of the match against Manchester United just 21 minutes in, suggests that his condition hasn't improved. With a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines looming, Palmer might find himself with plenty of free time, and it appears he's already making good use of it.

As listed on the trademark section of the Government website, he applied to trademark the phrase 'Cold Palmer'. The webpage discloses that the application was formally submitted on November 25, 2024, but wasn't entered into the register until October 3, 2025.

The two-word term is now associated with the England international's celebration, which involves him shaking his hands on both arms in a crossed-arms gesture. Given its popularity, it's hardly surprising that he's made this move.

Footballers who have made it big are increasingly making such decisions to establish themselves as a brand and safeguard their interests. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has already embarked on a similar venture through BS7 Rights Limited, the company managing his image rights.

Former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale previously took the same decision as Palmer, winning the battle to trademark his 'eleven of hearts' celebration.

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