Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro Star in Madonna’s ‘Confessions II’ Video Ahead of 2026 Premier League Season

Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro appear in Madonna’s new album film after missing World Cup selection.

Footballers turn to cinema Chelsea attackers Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro traded football boots for a film set as they joined pop icon Madonna’s new music project. They took part in Confessions II - The Film, a surprise cameo that follows their exclusion from senior national teams ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The two forwards were captured in a 14-minute cinematic piece unveiled at New York’s Tribeca Festival and later shared on Madonna’s official YouTube channel. Their appearance comes just minutes into the video when Madonna approaches them at a urinal. ## World Cup absences highlighted Palmer did not make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the summer tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico after a season disrupted by injuries. Meanwhile, Pedro was left out of Brazil’s final selection despite netting 20 goals across all competitions in his debut campaign with Chelsea. Both players’ omission from their respective countries’ rosters became focal points in the promotional film featuring real-life reactions. ## Madonna’s Chelsea connections Madonna has previously shown public support for Chelsea, attending Stamford Bridge in October to watch the men’s team defeat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier League. She also appeared on a Twitch stream alongside British social media personality Gymskin last month to unveil Chelsea’s new home kit for the 2026-27 season. The pop legend was spotted at a Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in February alongside her partner Akeem Morris. ## Album release details Madonna’s latest musical offering, Confessions On A Dance Floor: Part II, is scheduled for release on July 3, 2026. The project includes the short film starring Palmer and Pedro as part of its promotional campaign. The 14-minute video premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York before being uploaded to Madonna’s YouTube page on the following Monday. British actor Benedict Cumberbatch also features in the production.