Fresh off leading Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup glory with a win over Paris Saint-Germain on 13 July 2025 in New Jersey, England midfielder Cole Palmer opted for a meaningful detour visiting St Kitts and Nevis, the birthplace of his grandfather Sterry Palmer.
Rather than heading to a high-profile destination like Las Vegas or the Maldives, Palmer travelled to the Caribbean island nation where he received a hero’s welcome. He was greeted by deputy prime minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson, marking the visit as a significant cultural moment for the country.
“Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special,” said Palmer. “It’s where my grandad’s love for football started. The island’s beautiful and really chilled. I can’t wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea — and to try out the food.”
Palmer, 23, has long honoured his Kittitian heritage — most notably by wearing the nation’s flag alongside the England badge on his boots. That gesture has sparked a surge of admiration for the Chelsea star within the island, and his presence has given local tourism officials a timely boost of global attention.
Atiba Harris, president of the St Kitts and Nevis Football Association, believes Palmer’s visit carries long-term significance both for sport and national identity.
“Having someone like Cole come back to his roots — where his grandfather was born — is a testament to the family values we hold dear here,” Harris told FIFA. “It’s a really big deal. He’s going to inspire the next generation of players.”
The FA had been informed of Palmer’s visit in advance by local tourism officials. While Harris had planned to attend the Club World Cup final, he remained in St Kitts and missed Palmer’s match-winning performance. Still, he said the player’s decision to visit speaks volumes about his connection to the island.
“There’s already a big Chelsea fanbase here,” Harris added. “But Cole wearing our flag on his boots brought even more fans, especially young ones. You see his signature celebration — the cold shiver — all over local matches now.”
Palmer’s success, Harris believes, has the potential to inspire both young prospects and current players across the diaspora. And while there were early attempts to explore his eligibility for the national team, Harris acknowledges that choosing England was a natural step.
“He was on our radar, but when England come calling, especially at a young age, it’s understandable. Still, he hasn’t forgotten his roots — and that’s what matters,” he said.