Eden Hazard has placed himself just behind Lionel Messi in football’s dribbling hierarchy, insisting no other player in the modern game surpasses him in that skill.
The Belgian made the claim during a UEFA Champions League segment where he was challenged to react only when he heard the name of a dribbler better than him.
A long list of flair players was reeled off, from Rafael Leao and Vinicius Jr to Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo but Hazard remained unmoved.
It wasn’t until Messi’s name was mentioned that the former Chelsea star broke his silence, acknowledging the Argentine as the only player superior.
Hazard’s stance underlines the confidence he still has in his own ability.
During his peak years at Stamford Bridge, he was regarded as one of the most electrifying attackers in world football, winning two Premier League titles and two Europa League crowns while tormenting defenders with his low centre of gravity and close control.
Though his spell at Real Madrid was blighted by injury, Hazard’s legacy as a master dribbler remains intact.
For him, Messi’s consistency and balance place him on a level of his own, but the Belgian is adamant that he comes closest.
Hazard retired in 2023 at the age of 32, yet his comments are a reminder of the self-belief that fuelled his career and the artistry that made him unforgettable to fans.
