By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have made a surprise move from football to entertainment, appearing in a new promotional film by global pop icon Madonna just days after both were omitted from their respective countries’ squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two players feature in Confessions II – The Film, a 14-minute short film released as part of the promotion for Madonna’s forthcoming album, Confessions On A Dance Floor: Part II. The project premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York before being released on the singer’s official YouTube channel.
Palmer and Joao Pedro appear midway through the film in a brief but memorable scene involving Madonna, marking an unexpected crossover between football and entertainment.
Their appearance comes amid widespread discussion about their absence from the World Cup. Palmer failed to make England’s final squad after a season affected by injuries and intense competition for attacking places, while Joao Pedro was overlooked by Brazil despite enjoying an impressive campaign in which he scored 20 goals across all competitions for Chelsea.
The film also features acclaimed British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, adding further star appeal to the project.
Madonna’s links with Chelsea are well established. The seven-time Grammy Award winner is a regular follower of the club and has attended matches at Stamford Bridge in recent years. She was also among the high-profile figures involved in the launch of Chelsea’s 2026-27 home kit, appearing alongside influencer Gymskin during a livestream event.
The release of Confessions II – The Film forms part of the build-up to Madonna’s upcoming album, Confessions On A Dance Floor: Part II, which is scheduled for release on July 3.
While Palmer and Joao Pedro will not be taking part in football’s biggest tournament this summer, their unexpected appearance in Madonna’s latest project has ensured they remain firmly in the public spotlight, albeit on a very different stage.
