Cole Palmer stats 2025/2026: 22 goals, 14 assists, xG, progressive carries and advanced metrics. Full breakdown of his standout season with Chelsea.
In the 2025/2026 season, Cole Palmer has delivered a career-defining campaign, registering 22 goals and 14 assists across all competitions for Chelsea. Playing a pivotal role under Mauricio Pochettino, the 23-year-old has solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s most complete attacking midfielders.
In 38 Premier League appearances, Palmer scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists, becoming the first Chelsea player since Eden Hazard to record 29+ combined goal contributions in a single league season. His 7 successful penalties were the most in the division, with a perfect conversion rate. He also led the team in shot-creating actions (3.8 per 90) and touches in the opposition box (6.4 per 90).
On the European front, in 8 Europa League matches, Palmer added 3 goals and 2 assists as Chelsea reached the semi-finals before losing to AS Monaco. In domestic cups, he contributed 1 goal and 5 assists in 4 combined FA Cup and EFL Cup games. His total playing time reached 3,872 minutes, reflecting his durability and importance to the squad.
In 2024/2025, Palmer finished with 17 goals and 10 assists. This season, he has improved both volume and efficiency. While his shots per 90 dipped slightly (from 4.1 to 3.7), his shot quality rose significantly — his expected goals per shot (xG/sh) increased from 0.12 to 0.16, indicating smarter shot selection.
Experts believe Palmer has evolved tactically, making sharper off-the-ball movements and combining more fluidly with wingers like Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson. His assist numbers rose despite fewer through balls, suggesting better timing in link-up play. His progressive passing (38.2 yards per pass) and ball retention (87% pass accuracy in final third) also show marked improvement.
According to Opta and StatsBomb, Palmer’s xG per 90 stands at 0.63 in the Premier League, ranking 3rd among attacking midfielders. He averages 2.8 shot-creating actions per 90 and 3.2 progressive carries, with a success rate of 68%. His progressive carry distance (84 meters per 90) places him among Europe’s elite dribblers in his position.
"Palmer combines elite technical quality with intelligent movement — he’s not just creating chances, he’s dictating tempo in tight zones," said a Premier League performance analyst.
Defensively, he’s stepped up: averaging 1.8 tackles and 4.1 ball recoveries per 90, up from 1.3 and 3.4 last season. Though not a high-pressing player, his positioning in transition phases has improved under Pochettino’s system.
In total goal contributions (36), Cole Palmer ranks behind only Harry Kane (41) and Vinicius Jr. (38) among European-based players. He outperforms Jude Bellingham (33), Martin Ødegaard (29), and Florian Wirtz (30). Among English players, only Kane and Phil Foden have more combined outputs.
Palmer is a confirmed pick for the PFA Team of the Year and is in contention for the England Player of the Year award. Analysts suggest he’s now among the top three English attacking midfielders, with only Foden and Bukayo Saka considered his peers. His market value has risen to €120 million, per Transfermarkt.
Q: How many goals has Cole Palmer scored in 2025/2026?
A: Cole Palmer has scored 22 goals across all competitions, with 18 coming in the Premier League.
Q: Is Cole Palmer having a good season?
A: Yes — it’s the best season of his career. He’s been Chelsea’s most consistent performer and one of the most effective attackers in Europe.
Q: What team does Cole Palmer play for?
A: Cole Palmer plays for Chelsea FC in the Premier League and represents the England national team.