Chelsea's injured star Cole Palmer became an unexpected social media sensation during Tuesday night's Champions League clash against Benfica at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old England international, sidelined with a groin problem, watched from the stands wearing an oversized beige puffer jacket with matching trousers that immediately caught supporters' attention.
The interesting outfit, complete with hood, prompted widespread amusement online as Chelsea secured their first Champions League triumph since March 2023.
Palmer's fashion statement overshadowed even Jose Mourinho's return to his former ground, with the distinctive clothing becoming the evening's most discussed non-footballing moment amongst Blues supporters on social platforms.
Fans have taken aim at Cole Palmer for his outfit during the Champions League game on Tuesday
|X
Social media users quickly seized upon Palmer's distinctive appearance, with one supporter drawing comparisons to a tyre company's famous mascot: "Bro's dressed as the Michelin Man."
Another fan joked: "Wondered where my mattress protector had gone."
JUST IN: Thomas Frank praises 'mentality' as Tottenham salvage draw against Bodo/Glimt
The jokes continued flowing as one observer noted: "The laddo weren't Cold tonight," whilst another asked: "Is he on the moon?"
Palmer wasn't alone in attracting fashion commentary. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo, visible behind Palmer in a leather jacket and loose-fitting black trousers, prompted one fan to jest: "Palmer and his bodyguard."
The attacker had actually changed outfits during the day, having earlier worn a lighter black tracksuit whilst watching Chelsea's under-19s face Benfica's youth team.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Cole Palmer is currently out with a groin injury
|PA
Palmer's absence came at a crucial time for Chelsea, with the influential attacker ruled out until the international break.
His creativity was notably missed as the Blues struggled to break down Benfica's defence throughout the match.
The hosts eventually prevailed through an unfortunate own goal by Richard Rios in the first half.
The Colombian midfielder inadvertently diverted Pedro Neto's cross past his own goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin after Alejandro Garnacho had redirected the ball across the six-yard area.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
One supporter expressed the collective sentiment about Palmer's enforced absence: "Bet he's gutted not to be playing. Chelsea could use his creativity right now."
The victory marked a significant milestone for Enzo Maresca's side, ending a difficult period where their sole win had come against League One Lincoln in the EFL Cup.
Despite controlling possession and registering more attempts than their Portuguese opponents, Chelsea struggled to create clear-cut chances
Chelsea beat Benfica 1-0 at home on Tuesday | REUTERSAlejandro Garnacho squandered several promising opportunities during his second start for the club.
Late substitute Estevao Willian eventually tested Trubin with a stretching header near the final whistle.
The match concluded with further disciplinary concerns as substitute Joao Pedro received a second yellow card in the sixth minute of added time.
This marked Chelsea's third dismissal in four matches, though unlike the red cards against Manchester United and Brighton, this one came too late to influence the result.