Eden Hazard, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid winger widely regarded as one of the most gifted dribblers of his generation, has revealed that only Lionel Messi stands above him in that department.
The Belgian made the statement during a lighthearted but revealing segment shared by the UEFA Champions League account on X. In the video, Hazard was asked to stay quiet until he heard the name of a player he truly believed dribbled better than he did.
The test began with a string of names that have earned reputations for flair and trickery on the ball. PSG youngster Desire Doue, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Barcelona winger Raphinha were all mentioned, but Hazard remained completely still. When the host added Riyad Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City, and Real Madrid’s electric winger Vinicius Jr, Hazard’s face flickered with interest, yet he did not break his silence.
The list went further, including global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. Still, Hazard offered nothing. Even Neymar’s name – a player often hailed as one of the greatest dribblers in world football – only made him hesitate for a moment before staying quiet.
It wasn’t until Messi’s name was spoken that Hazard finally responded, acknowledging the Argentine maestro as the only man he believes to be ahead of him when it comes to the art of dribbling.
Hazard’s choice is not surprising. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, has long been celebrated as perhaps the greatest dribbler the game has ever seen, with his balance, close control, and ability to beat defenders unmatched for nearly two decades. For Hazard, who built his own career on dazzling footwork and breathtaking runs, Messi remains in a class of his own.
The 34-year-old Belgian officially retired from professional football in October 2023 at the age of 32 after injuries cut short his time at Real Madrid. Despite a difficult spell in Spain, he remains fondly remembered for his brilliance at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns, and established himself as one of the most feared attackers in the English top flight. With Belgium, Hazard also played a leading role in the country’s golden generation, finishing third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Hazard’s comments are a reminder of the high regard in which he still holds himself, and rightly so. Few players in modern football have been able to glide past opponents with the ease and confidence he displayed at his peak. Yet even he admits that when it comes to dribbling, Lionel Messi is simply untouchable.
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