Football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or, has never been given to a Chelsea player.
Chelsea have signed three Ballon d’Or winners throughout their history — Andriy Shevchenko, Ruud Gullit and George Weah.
But no Blue has won it while playing at Stamford Bridge.
The award has rarely come to England at all. Michael Owen, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recently, Rodri, are the only players to win the Ballon d’Or while playing in England this century.
Two certain stars made it difficult to get a look in for much of that time.
But if it is to come back to the Premier League, one Chelsea man is tipped to be the reason why.
Cole Palmer celebrates during FC Bayern München v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gary Lineker says Cole Palmer has best chance at Ballon d’Or
Estevao Willian is emerging as the next world-beating talent, but Chelsea already have a player of that ilk on their books.
Cole Palmer made the Ballon d’Or top 10 in September, and out of all players in the Premier League, Gary Lineker reckons he has the best shot at taking the trophy home.
Lineker took on TNT Sports’ ‘The Best’ challenge ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League action, naming Palmer as the Premier League talent most likely to earn the honour.
The former Barcelona striker rates Palmer highly.
Lineker compared Palmer to Dennis Bergkamp, seeing remnants of the Dutch legend in how effortless the game looks to Chelsea’s talisman.
How lucky Maresca is to have such a talent, even if he has been forced to the sidelines for much of the campaign. And the player who has taken the load in Palmer’s absence is another Ballon d’Or prospect.
Who will have the better career at Chelsea?
Estevao Willian also on Ballon d’Or trajectory
Palmer is the obvious shout. He has already reached Ballon d’Or-level production at Stamford Bridge, and has been amongst the votes for a couple of seasons.
That said, it’s hard to ignore what Estevao is doing right now.
Estevao has kept Chelsea firing in Palmer’s absence, adding another link to his chain with a wondergoal against Barcelona.
Estevao’s stunning goal against Barcelona!
At 18, the potential is staggering. He will be entering those Ballon d’Or conversations sometime soon — very soon, judging by current pace.