Zinedine Zidane’s Top Live Player: A Legacy Within Football
Renowned for his exceptional skills on the pitch, Zinedine Zidane has previously revealed that his third favorite player to admire in action, following Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, is Eden Hazard. This appreciation comes from a football legend himself.
A Midfield Maestro’s Journey
Zidane’s credentials as one of the game’s all-time greatest midfielders are firmly established through his illustrious career with clubs like Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. His list of honors includes prestigious trophies such as La Liga titles and multiple UEFA Champions League victories.
Transition to Management Success
After hanging up his boots, Zidane transitioned into management with remarkable success. He steered Real Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles during his tenure at the club.
The Rise and Challenges of Eden Hazard
In 2015, during a segment reported by TNT Sports, Zidane expressed admiration for Eden Hazard: “Following Ronaldo and Messi, my favorite player is Hazard. Watching him play is nothing short of mesmerizing.” He further remarked on the joy of seeing Hazard at Real Madrid while expressing confidence in the Belgian’s ability to regain peak performance.
A Stellar Career Before Joining Madrid
Eden Hazard emerged as one of football’s brightest talents early in his career with Lille OSC before making waves in England upon joining Chelsea in 2012. His time at Stamford Bridge saw him blossom into one of the world’s top players, leading to significant interest from Spain’s elite teams.
High Expectations Turned Disappointing Reality
In 2019, he transferred to Real Madrid for a staggering fee reported around €100 million—a deal expected to elevate both player and club alike. However, injuries plagued Hazard throughout much of his time in Spain severely affecting his form on the field.
The Conclusion of an Era
Regrettably for both player and fans alike, what was initially viewed as a crowning achievement instead turned into a bittersweet chapter due to persistent injuries that sidelined him significantly during key moments. After leaving Madrid in summer 2023—and ultimately announcing retirement later that October—Hazard concluded an impressive yet challenging phase at age 32.
Throughout his illustrious career across various competitions spanning over more than a decade, Eden Hazard made an impressive total of 635 appearances leading to scoring opportunities resulting in 168 goals from club matches alone.
On the international front representing Belgium—he earned capped status alongside scoring accolades tallying up over three dozen goals after being selected for national duty on numerous occasions (126 caps).