If you’ve watched any football over the last couple of seasons, you’ve undoubtedly seen it: a player crossing their arms, rubbing their shoulders, and acting like they’ve just stepped into a blizzard. Cole Palmer made the “cold” celebration a global sensation, but the story behind who actually started it is full of banter, history, and a legendary friendship.
The rivalry over the trademark shivering pose traces back to December 2023. Morgan Rogers hit the move first after scoring a winning goal for Middlesbrough against West Bromwich Albion. Just a week later, Palmer pulled out the exact same routine after bagging a double for Chelsea against Luton Town. Palmer openly admitted at the time that he did it as a nod to his best mate, affectionately calling him “Morgz.”
Naturally, Rogers wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily. He lightheartedly called Palmer out, telling fans to “check the timeline” because he was the real originator. Palmer’s meteoric rise and mountain of goals at Stamford Bridge quickly made the celebration synonymous with “Cold Palmer,” but the banter between the two former Manchester City academy teammates never stopped.
Now, with both stars set to share the pitch together at Chelsea, football fans won’t have to argue over who owns the celebration anymore. The two close friends are ready to turn their friendly rivalry into a full-blown double act every time the ball hits the back of the net.
