Eden Hazard has pinpointed the sole footballer who he believes has surpassed him in skill during his career, declaring, “I think Lionel Messi is the only player who is better than me,” in an interview with L’Equipe. Reflecting on Messi’s time at Barcelona, Hazard acknowledged his admiration for the Argentine’s exceptional talent, dubbing him the greatest in history.
While acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s stature as a larger figure in the sport, Hazard maintained that he does not view Ronaldo as superior to himself solely in terms of footballing ability, suggesting Neymar as a possible contender.
When questioned about emulating Ronaldo’s disciplined mindset, Hazard dismissed the idea, emphasizing his preference for a more relaxed lifestyle spent with friends and enjoying leisure activities. He attributed rumors of weight gain during his tenure at Real Madrid to the aftermath of an intense season with Chelsea, noting that he indulged in customary post-season relaxation. Hazard vehemently rejected the notion of strict dieting, asserting his enjoyment of life’s pleasures.
Addressing criticisms of his work ethic, Hazard defended his commitment to training and acknowledged occasional lapses in motivation. He expressed admiration for Real Madrid and his lifelong affinity for Zinedine Zidane, yet confessed that the club’s culture and style of play did not entirely align with his own personality and preferences.
Despite his admiration for Real Madrid, Hazard hinted at a sense of not fully fitting in with the club’s swaggering image and style of play, suggesting that his time there may not have been a perfect fit. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the pivotal role that Real Madrid played in his career trajectory.
