Cole Palmer stats 2025/2026: Goals, assists and complete season statistics

Cole Palmer has delivered a career-defining season in 2025/2026, emerging as Chelsea’s most influential attacker. Across all competitions, he has recorded 22 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and creative midfielders in Europe.

• 22 goals and 14 assists in 48 games
• Top scorer for Chelsea in 2025/2026
• Leader in combined goal contributions among central midfielders in Europe
• Improved xG and passing accuracy from 2024/2025
• Instrumental in Chelsea’s top-five Premier League finish

Cole Palmer stats 2025/2026: Complete breakdown by competition

In the Premier League, Palmer played all 34 matches he was available for, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists. His goal involvement rate of 0.86 per 90 minutes ranks among the league’s elite. In the UEFA Champions League, he added 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 games, including a standout performance against Borussia Dortmund where he scored twice and assisted once. He also contributed in domestic cups, scoring in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup.

Palmer’s impact was most evident in high-pressure fixtures. He scored decisive goals against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, including a 78th-minute winner at the Emirates in March 2026. His ability to perform in critical moments has solidified his reputation as a big-game player, a trait increasingly valued by managers and fans alike.

Compared to last season: Better or worse?

During the 2024/2025 season, Palmer registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances. The 2025/2026 campaign represents a clear progression in output and influence. His average minutes per game increased to 78, and he assumed a more central role under manager Mauricio Pochettino, often operating as a false nine or advanced playmaker.

Analysts suggest Palmer has improved his decision-making and composure in the final third. His pass completion rate in the attacking third rose from 78% to 84%, and he reduced unforced errors by 17%. These improvements contributed to Chelsea’s more fluid attacking play and their fifth-place finish, securing qualification for the 2026/2027 Champions League.

Advanced metrics: What the data really says

Beyond traditional stats, advanced metrics highlight Palmer’s elite status. His xG (expected goals) stands at 18.4, while his xA (expected assists) is 12.7, meaning he has outperformed expectations in both scoring and creating. He ranks in the top 5 in Europe for progressive carries, averaging 4.2 per 90 minutes — a testament to his dribbling and ball progression under pressure.

"Palmer combines vision, technical precision, and cold-blooded finishing — a complete modern midfielder," says a data analyst from Opta.

Defensively, Palmer has also stepped up, averaging 1.8 interceptions and 0.9 successful tackles per game. While not his primary role, his pressing intensity has improved, reflecting the tactical demands of Pochettino’s system.

Where Cole Palmer ranks among the best in Europe

In 2025/2026, Palmer ranks 3rd among attacking midfielders in goals scored, behind only Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Viktor Gyökeres (Stuttgart). In combined goal contributions (goals + assists), he is 2nd in Europe, tied with Martin Ødegaard and behind only Mohamed Salah.

Experts believe Palmer is a strong contender for the UEFA Team of the Year. His all-around game — creativity, scoring, work rate — places him among the continent’s elite. Compared to peers like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, Palmer stands out for his consistency in decisive moments and his role as a primary playmaker rather than a supplementary attacker.

FAQ

Q: How many goals has Cole Palmer scored in 2025/2026?

A: Cole Palmer has scored 22 goals across all competitions in the 2025/2026 season, with 17 coming in the Premier League.

Q: Is Cole Palmer having a good season?

A: Yes, it’s an outstanding season. With 22 goals and 14 assists, he is Chelsea’s most impactful player and one of the top midfielders in Europe.

Q: What team does Cole Palmer play for?

A: Cole Palmer plays for Chelsea FC in the Premier League and the England national team.