Cole Palmer stunned fans after he was casually seen on a scooter by Times Square, New York, on the eve of the last collision of Chelsea's Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
The blues try to become the first team that wins the competition in the renewed size of 32 teams and receive a windfall of £ 30 million in prize money if they do.
But the side of Enzo Maresca needs their star players to indicate against the European champions, which have been flawless in the Club World Cup Bar, an unusual blip, causing them to lose 1-0 against Botafogo in the group phase.
Palmer's pre-match preparations raised eyebrows, with the superstar entering the streets of Manhattan less than 24 hours before Sunday's confrontation.
The 23-year-old, who had his bonnet in an attempt to hide his identity, was seen by crowds of tourists and looked relaxed for one of the biggest matches of his career.
Nevertheless, a fan with eagle eyes noticed the English international and posted a video online, which has since received millions of views.
Many Chelsea fans were shocked to see their star player in public instead of resting for the final.
One said on Tiktok: “Can anyone tell us that we're tomorrow, tomorrow in a final, frankly?”
Another one said: “Let us concentrate on the final we have a game on Sunday.”
A third wrote: “Cole Mate, you have a final to win tomorrow.”
Palmer has registered two target contributions – a goal and an assist – and has played so far in five of Chelsea's Six Club World Cup matches.