When the dust settled on the 2024/25 season, Chelsea’s attack had one clear standout: the Chelsea top scorer 2024/25 season was Cole Palmer. In a campaign of transition, turbulence, and flashes of brilliance, Palmer emerged as the most consistent source of goals for the Blues — in the league and across all competitions. In this article, ZaneyStrike will dig into Palmer’s rise, compare his output with his key rivals, trace his scoring by competition, and assess what his tally tells us about Chelsea’s season.
Cole Palmer: From Rising Talent to Chelsea’s No. 1 Goal Threat
Cole Palmer’s development over the past two seasons has been nothing short of meteoric. Having joined Chelsea, expectations were high — and in 2024/25, he delivered in force.
- In Premier League play, Palmer scored 15 goals over 37 appearances and added 8 assists, showcasing both finishing and playmaking ability.
- Across all competitions, he extended his tally further — including in European fixtures and domestic cups.
- He recorded at least one hat trick during the season, underlining his ability to dominate games.
- He also became the first Chelsea player in recent memory to be directly involved in 20+ goal contributions in back-to-back top-flight campaigns, echoing comparisons to Eden Hazard’s peak years.
- Strategically, Palmer’s versatility — rotating between attacking midfielder, winger, or secondary striker — made him difficult to mark and vital in transition play.
His finishing metrics were solid: a good balance of shots on target, involvement in the box, and penalty contributions. While Palmer still has room to sharpen his consistency, his 2024/25 output confirmed Chelsea’s faith in him.
The Contenders: Who Chased the Crown?
While Cole Palmer took the top spot, he was not far ahead of challengers who flashed glimpses of finishing potential.
Nicolas Jackson
- In the Premier League, Jackson netted 10 goals, positioning him as Palmer’s closest rival domestically.
- He also contributed in European competition, though not enough to overtake Palmer’s overall count.
- Jackson’s strengths lie in physicality and aerial presence, often serving as a foil to Palmer’s pace and technique.
Christopher Nkunku
- Comfortable in Europe, Nkunku notched 14 goals in all competitions, making him second only to Palmer in total for Chelsea.
- His goal mix — combining poacher’s finishes, shots, and set-piece savvy — underscored his all-around threat.
- Nkunku offered balance: when Palmer was marked tightly, the team could turn to Nkunku’s movement and unpredictability.
Noni Madueke
- The youngster also broke into the list of top contributors with 11 goals across competitions.
- Though more inconsistent, Madueke’s directness and dribbling made him a dangerous outlet, especially against fatigued defenses.
Enzo Fernández and Others
- Midfielders like Enzo Fernández chipped in with 8 goals across all contests, adding depth to Chelsea’s scoring palette.
- Defensive players like Marc Cucurella also chipped in with surprise contributions in set-piece situations.
| Player | Premier League Goals | All Competitions Total |
| Cole Palmer | 15 | ~18 |
| Nicholas Jackson | 10 | ~13 |
| Christopher Nkunku | — | ~14 |
| Noni Madueke | — | ~11 |
| Enzo Fernández | 6 | ~8 |
This spread reflects both Palmer’s consistency and Chelsea’s strategy of distributing scoring responsibility rather than relying on a lone talisman.
Breakdowns: Palmer’s Goals by Competition
Understanding where and how Palmer scored helps illuminate his role and impact.
Premier League
Palmer’s 15 goals in the league came against a variety of opponents — big sides, mid-table squads, and scrappy defensive blocks alike. His strike rate hovered around 0.41, and he demonstrated composure from the spot (he scored a few penalties). Many of his goals originated from well-timed runs inside the box, quick counter-attacks, or exploiting space behind the full backs.
European & Continental Cups
In the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, Palmer added further goals, proving he could adapt to different styles. He found opportunities in wide areas, central overlaps, and transition moves when defenses were off-balance.
Domestic Cups & Others
Though not as high-profile, Palmer’s contributions in the EFL Cup and FA Cup were useful in providing rotation relief. He also made occasional runs late in matches, converting chances when defenders were fading.
Hat Trick Highlight
One standout moment was his hat trick against Brighton in September 2024, where he scored four goals in one match (three official in the hat trick, plus a fourth) — a statement display of individual dominance.
What Palmer’s Output Tells Us About Chelsea in 2024/25
Marked by managerial shifts, squad reloading, injuries, and sometimes tactical inconsistency, Chelsea’s season leaned heavily on Palmer’s consistency.
- Reliance on youth and flair: Palmer’s emergence underscores Chelsea’s pivot toward younger attacking talent. While veteran forwards struggled, Palmer stepped up.
- Lack of a consistent secondary scorer: Though Jackson and Nkunku made efforts, none could truly match Palmer’s consistency. That placed extra pressure on him as the focal point.
- Tactical flexibility: Many of Chelsea’s goals came when Palmer swapped flanks, cut inside, or acted as a creator rather than just a finisher.
- Injury & fatigue risks: Because Palmer carried much of the scoring burden, any absence (due to injury or rotation) exposed Chelsea’s fragility. The club will need to ensure depth and alternatives going forward.
The Legacy: Where Does This Rank in Chelsea History?
While 15 league goals might not shatter club records, for a 22–23 year-old it’s a strong foundation. Chelsea’s history of goal scoring has often leaned on forwards or legends — the likes of Diego Costa, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, or Didier Drogba. For Palmer to reach 15 in a challenging campaign signals his potential to join that elite class.
He also joined the ranks of players who reached high involvement numbers early. His trajectory suggests that, if development continues, he could climb toward the top of Chelsea’s season-by-season scoring charts.
Conclusion
The Chelsea top scorer 2024/25 season was Cole Palmer — a young star who carried the Blues’ attack through peaks and troughs. His 15 Premier League goals plus contributions across cup and continental matches made him indispensable. While Jackson, Nkunku, and Madueke offered worthy support, Palmer’s consistency set him apart.
ZaneyStrike invites you to follow forward: track Palmer’s performance in 2025/26, compare his scoring pace to club legends, and see whether Chelsea can build around his talents or balance the load better. If you enjoyed this breakdown, stick around for deep dives into club history, transfer rumors, and player profiles.
