Palmer takes influencer girlfriend out for red carpet debut - with his parents

Cole Palmer traded the football pitch for the red carpet on Tuesday night, stepping out with his influencer girlfriend Connie Grace for the first time at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.

The Chelsea midfielder, dressed sharply in a black suit and bowtie, attended the glamorous event at Kensington Roof Gardens. Grace, also from Manchester, complemented Palmer's look in a sleek black dress that highlighted her toned midriff.

The couple, reportedly together for around three months, made their relationship public with this debut appearance. Palmer also shared the spotlight with his mother, Marie, who joined him for photos at the event.

The evening marked a proud moment for Marie, as her son basked in the recognition of a breakthrough year for both club and country and partied with the likes of Usain Bolt.

Palmer's girlfriend is said to be a nail technician but regularly travels, posting updates on her Instagram profile, which boasts over 16,000 followers despite having just 72 pictures.

Palmer regularly likes her uploads, including sultry bikini snaps from her idyllic holidays. However, her most recent photo was taken at Stamford Bridge - with the caption: 'Fur season'.

Palmer and Grace are said to have flown to Ibiza via private jet in August, where they enjoyed a 'quick trip' together, dining out on the harbour where they shared a romantic candlelit meal.

Grace has also been seen posing alongside the Chelsea star after he picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award in September. However, the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London was their first official outing.

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke also made an appearance at the GQ Men of the Year Awards on Tuesday night - fresh from his standout performances for England against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

The 22-year-old impressed during last week's international fixtures, contributing an assist in England's 3-0 win over Greece in Athens in the absence of Bukayo Saka.

While quieter in Sunday’s 5-0 triumph over Ireland at Wembley, Madueke helped the Three Lions secure Nations League promotion in Lee Carsley’s final match as interim manager.

For the red carpet event, Madueke opted for a smart-casual look, pairing a black cardigan with a crisp white shirt.

Palmer and Madueke are likely to be straight back in training on Wednesday, with Chelsea returning to action against Leicester in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

The former pulled out of the England squad last week due to injury, but has since returned to training and is expected to be fit for the weekend trip to the King Power Stadium.

Another rising England star, Kobbie Mainoo, joined the evening’s festivities in Kensington on Tuesday evening.

The Manchester United teenager, sidelined with injury in recent weeks, sported a sleek Bottega Veneta leather jacket and trousers, complemented by a white T-shirt.

Mainoo returned to training earlier this week under new United manager Ruben Amorim and could make his return in Sunday’s clash against Ipswich.

Palmer and Mainoo were both interviewed on the red carpet for a range of hilarious social media videos which were released on GQ's TikTok page.

When asked whether he would rather score an own goal or be subbed off in the first half, Palmer said: 'Own goal. When you get subbed in the first half, it's bad. It just damages your reputation. It's never happened to me touch wood.'

The interviewer went on to ask whether he would rather score a goal from the half way line or net a bicycle kick - to which Palmer responded: 'That's tough, I don't know. I feel like a bicycle kick is harder. I can't really do a bicycle. I can practice though.'

Mainoo was asked similar questions, with the interviewer probing into whether he would rather score an own goal or be awarded a red card. The Man United star was quick to reply: 'Red card'.

Mainoo went on to explain his decision. He said: 'It depends on what the red card is for really. But, an own goal, for me is the worst thing that can happen. Yeah for me it's definitely the worst.'

The interviewer fired another question at Mainoo, asking whether he would rather miss a penalty or get subbed off in the first half. The 19-year-old was instantly replied: 'Miss a penalty for sure'.

He went on to add: 'Anyone can miss a penalty, you know. It's just one kick in the game, it happens and you move on. But, being subbed in the first half is tough to take.'

The interviewer finished by asking whether Mainoo would rather score a goal from the half way line or net a bicycle kick. Mainoo responded: 'Bicycle kick' before wrapping up the interview.

However, the wasn't the end of Mainoo's media duties for the evening. He was later asked to describe the outfit he was wearing and offer his fashion advice to those watching GQ's TikTok.

Mainoo said: 'Be whatever you want to be you know. A lot of people say be yourself or you can be whatever you want to be. So, dress like you want to dress and fully embrace it.'

Mainoo went on to reveal his favourite meal and the song he listens to most at the moment. 'The Hope is Romantic by Action Bronson is the song I am listening to most and my favourite meal is my mum's peanut butter soup and rice', he said.