Cole Palmer has etched his name into Premier League history, achieving a feat no other player has accomplished before. The Chelsea star's remarkable performance against Wolves on February 7, 2026, saw him become the first player ever to score a first-half hat-trick consisting of two penalties and a free-kick in a Premier League match.
The English midfielder's stellar performance propelled Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Wolves. Palmer showcased his composure and precision by converting two penalties earned by João Pedro. He then capped off his hat-trick with a sublime free-kick, leaving the Wolves defense helpless. Palmer secured his hat-trick within the first 38 minutes of the match.
This achievement adds to Palmer's growing reputation as one of the Premier League's most exciting talents. Known for his dribbling and passing ability, Palmer has become a key player for Chelsea since joining the club.
"It was a very, very pleasing goal and that is the type of football we want to play,” said the Chelsea head coach, Liam Rosenior. “Obviously Cole gets three goals, but some of our football was everything I wanted to see. We know what a world-class player he is".
Palmer's journey to this historic moment has been one of steady progress and development. A product of Manchester City's youth academy, he made his senior debut for the club in 2020 and was part of the squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 2023. In 2023, Palmer signed with Chelsea for a fee of £40 million. His debut season was a resounding success, earning him the PFA Fans' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. In 2025, Palmer played a key role in Chelsea's triumphs in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, earning the Man of the Match award in both finals and the Golden Ball in the latter.
As of December 9, 2025, Palmer has made 84 appearances and scored 44 goals for Chelsea. This season alone, he has already scored 7 Premier League goals. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as he also provides assists and creates opportunities for his teammates.
At the international level, Palmer has represented England at various youth levels, winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He has also earned 12 caps for the senior England national team, scoring 2 goals.
Cole Palmer's historic hat-trick is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the game. As he continues to evolve and refine his skills, the sky is the limit for this young star, and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapter in his remarkable career.