Chelsea quartet make the grade in the GWR Football Edition 2027
In the run-up to the launch of the new Guiness World Records Football Edition 2027, GWR Adjudicator Will Munford went to Cobham Training Centre to meet record-breaking players from Chelsea’s men’s and women’s teams – and to celebrate their inclusion for the Class of ’27, our list of some of the most exciting young talents in world football. Will presented the stars with their certificates and copies of the Football Edition, so that they could check out their pages.
GWR Adjudicator Will Munford with Cole Palmer Credit: Chelsea FC
Currently in his fourth season with Chelsea, Cole Palmer is no stranger to sporting accolades – and he can now add a Guinness World Record title to his collection. On 15 April 2024, Cole completed the fastest EPL perfect hat-trick from kickoff, scoring with his left foot, his head and then his right foot in the first 29 minutes of Chelsea’s 6–0 rout of Everton. His record-breaking performance capped a remarkable first season in West London: Cole scored 22 goals and laid on 10 assists and was voted Premier League Young Player of the Season. He followed up with an eye-catching series of performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, winning the Golden Ball award for best player as Chelsea lifted the trophy.
Estevão Willian Credit: Chelsea FC
Alongside Cole, Brazil international Estevão Willian was presented with his certificate for the youngest winner of the Bola de Ouro. The skilful winger was just 17 years 229 days old when he picked up the award for the best player in Brazil’s Serié A following a breakout season with Palmeiras. Given that previous winners of the Bola de Ouro include such legends of the game as Ronaldinho and Neymar, it was no surprise that Chelsea swooped to land his signature.
Hannah Hampton with GWR's Will Munford Credit: Chelsea FC
Another member of our Class of ’27 is Chelsea Women and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who received her certificate for the youngest goalkeeper to make 100 WSL appearances. She was 23 years 353 days old when she reached a century of English league games against Everton on 3 November 2024. Hannah was an integral member of the Chelsea team that went unbeaten through the 2024/25 WSL season, sealing back-to-back championships. She then hit the headlines at the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships, saving penalties in successive shootouts as the Lionesses defended their title. To round off the year, Hannah was named the first winner of the women’s Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Manaka Matsukubo Credit: Chelsea FC
Lining up alongside Hannah at Chelsea this year is Manaka Matsukubo, an eye-catching summer signing from the National Women’s Soccer League. The young Japanese star crossed the pond having already set a record in the USA, hitting three goals for the North Carolina Courage against Bay FC aged 21 years 81 days to become the youngest hat-trick scorer in the NWSL. Having earned her place in the Class of ’27 while still at the Courage, Manaka will be looking to set more records in Chelsea colours.
To see who else has made the Class of ’27 alongside the Chelsea contingent – including stars from Lamine Yamal to Trinity Rodman – check out the Guiness World Records Football Edition 2027. It’s bursting with fresh features, a round-up of all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and hundreds of new records from the beautiful game.
Header image: Chelsea FC