Cole Palmer is the only England player to appear in Nike's new star-studded World Cup advert, despite being left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for the tournament. The short film, titled 'rip the script', features a host of global superstars and celebrities, including Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Travis Scott.
The advert also includes the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Virgil van Dijk, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who appears in a humorous moment alongside actor Channing Tatum. Awkwardly for Nike, the star chosen to represent England is Chelsea's Palmer, who was overlooked for selection by Tuchel.
Palmer is seen alongside rapper Central Cee in an icy landscape, a reference to his 'cold' celebration, before leading the players back to the original TV set. The 24-year-old is among the big names not in the England squad, joining Harry Maguire and Phil Foden in being left at home.
Palmer was spotted this week partying in Ibiza at one of the island's most decadent venues following his England snub. He was pictured at Wayne Lineker's Ocean Beach Club on the Spanish party island, a popular haunt for Premier League footballers during their downtime. Bizarrely, Palmer was seen wearing the same outfit he wore the last time he was at the club last July: decked out with a chain, a plain white T-shirt, camouflage shorts, and trainers. Pictured next to Gary Lineker's younger brother on a bright yellow sofa, the pair looked relaxed, with Grey Goose vodka cushions splayed out beside them, while a large bottle of the vodka was perched on the table in front of them.
The Nike advert begins with France and Real Madrid star Mbappe refusing to follow the script from the producer. Eventually, the players from some of the world's top footballing nations agree to ignore the demands and create their own video in front of a series of wild backdrops and locations. The six-minute film also includes cameos from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Cantona, and Jason Sudeikis, who reprises his role as Ted Lasso in the eponymous Apple TV hit comedy-drama.
The World Cup, being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins next Thursday. Mexico face South Africa in the opening match of the 48-team tournament, which runs until July 19.
