Cole Palmer Names The Three Players He Rates Higher Than Cristiano Ronaldo

Cole Palmer has named the three players he rates higher than Cristiano Ronaldo as he made his feelings clear on the GOAT of football.

Chelsea star Palmer was asked to name his top five players in world football for Sports Direct.

But Ronaldo, who is viewed as the greatest footballer in history by many fans and critics alike, only ranked fourth on Palmer's GOAT list.

He hailed Lionel Messi as the GOAT before naming Neymar and Wayne Rooney.

Messi enjoyed a legendary career at Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The England star also name-dropped Neymar, who played alongside Messi during his time at Barca.

As for Rooney, he shot to fame following his strike for Everton against Arsenal before becoming a Manchester United legend following his 253 goals for the Red Devils - a club record.

Cole Palmer called Lionel Messi the GOAT ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Image: Getty

Finally, Ronaldo is still going strong at 40, having scored five goals in six games for Al Nassr this season. He doesn't plan on calling time on his storied career any time soon.

Cole Palmer idolised Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney growing up

Palmer sported Chelsea's No.20 shirt following his move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.

But he switched shirts and took the club's No.10 jersey ahead of the 2025/26 season, stating he was inspired by Messi and Rooney, who wore the same shirt number during his spell at Man United.

Asked if there were any number 10s he particularly saw as role models, he said: "Messi, the big one, Rooney and players like that. It's just an iconic number. I wore No.10 all my life growing up and I just like the number."

Cole Palmer grew up idolising Wayne Rooney. Image: Getty

Palmer, who came through Manchester City's youth academy, grew up watching Rooney given he supported Man United as a kid and spoke of his joy of playing at Old Trafford.

He said: "When I do go back to the stadium [Old Trafford] it's good because I used to go and watch matches there."

On Rooney, Palmer added: "Obviously I supported United and he was probably the best player when I was watching them."