Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has taken a major step in building his off-field brand, securing the UK trademark for his popular nickname, “Cold Palmer.” The move not only protects his identity but also sets him up for a potentially lucrative commercial future — echoing the marketing strategies of global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Cole Palmer Expands His Empire with ‘Cold Palmer’ Trademark
Cole Palmer has officially joined the ranks of football’s brand-savvy elite. The Chelsea midfielder has received UK government approval to trademark the phrase “Cold Palmer,” cementing his nickname as a protected commercial asset. The decision, confirmed by The Athletic, means no other entity can use the term for financial gain without his permission — a significant milestone in the 23-year-old’s off-field evolution.
Palmer’s application was first lodged with the UK Intellectual Property Office in November 2024 and was approved on October 4, 2025. The registration will remain valid until 2034, with the option to renew every 10 years. This trademark gives him the exclusive right to use “Cold Palmer” across a surprisingly broad range of merchandise, from soaps and bath salts to snacks, phone cases, drones, stationery, and even teddy bears.
However, the path to approval wasn’t completely smooth. French winery Château Palmer challenged the filing, forcing the Chelsea star’s management company, Palmer Management Limited, to amend its application — removing references to wine-related products. Even so, Palmer retained rights to other alcoholic beverage categories, keeping the door open for future branding ventures.
Palmer Eyes Rights to His Iconic Celebration
The creative midfielder isn’t stopping there. Palmer has also filed to trademark his famous “shivering celebration,” the icy gesture that inspired his nickname. The application includes a short two-second video of the move, granting exclusive commercial rights to the gesture.
While such a trademark wouldn’t prevent other players from copying the celebration, it would restrict companies from using the movement for advertising or promotional content without consent. Interestingly, the idea for the celebration came from Morgan Rogers, a former teammate from Palmer’s days in Manchester City’s youth academy.
Palmer’s first use of the celebration came during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town in December 2023, a match that marked his growing influence at Stamford Bridge.
Following the Blueprint of Football’s Marketing Giants
By securing this trademark, Palmer follows a well-trodden path paved by the game’s biggest names. Cristiano Ronaldo capitalized on his “CR7” brand and trademarked his famous “Siuuu” celebration, while Kylian Mbappé registered rights to his arms-crossed goal pose. Gareth Bale has owned his “Eleven of Hearts” logo for over a decade, and Lionel Messi famously won a lengthy legal battle to trademark his name after opposition from a Spanish cycling company.
Like those global icons, Palmer is clearly thinking long-term — establishing himself as more than just a footballer. With global partnerships already in place with Nike, Beats by Dre, and Burberry, this move enhances his commercial independence.
Chelsea and Sponsor Implications
Trademarking “Cold Palmer” adds a layer of complexity for Chelsea and Palmer’s sponsors. According to intellectual property lawyer Karen Lee of Edwin Coe LLP, any commercial use of the term would require explicit consent or a licensing agreement. That means Chelsea cannot use “Cold Palmer” in official promotions or merchandise without his approval, giving the player direct control over how his image and identity are monetized.
For Palmer, this could create additional revenue streams independent of his club and existing endorsements — a shrewd business move for one of England’s brightest young talents.
Performance Will Define the Brand
While Palmer’s off-field foresight is commendable, his marketability ultimately depends on his performances on the pitch. After a breakout season under Enzo Maresca, the playmaker’s recent groin injury has kept him sidelined since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United in September. The Blues hope he’ll return after the international break, but the timing remains uncertain.
Still, if he continues his rise when fit, Cole Palmer could become one of football’s most marketable stars — not just for his goals and flair, but for the brand identity he’s building behind the scenes.
