Hazard Crowned a Living Legend: Chelsea’s Maestro Joins the Premier League Hall of Fame

Hazard Joins the Premier League Hall of Fame

In a landmark moment for English football, Eden Hazard was officially inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, becoming the 26th member of this exclusive club that celebrates the sport’s greatest icons.

Hazard, who shone at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, was widely regarded for his vision, dribbling, and the magic he could conjure on the pitch, often turning matches into moments of art.

In a comprehensive interview with the Premier League’s official site, Hazard spoke of his pride at joining a cohort of legends, saying, "Thierry Henry is there, as you know. I grew up admiring players like Zidane and Henry. Being among them is incredibly special."

He added with his characteristic smile: "Joining the Hall of Fame means a lot to me. I’m very proud to be part of this group, and I think we can form an amazing team together. I always wanted to enjoy playing and to bring joy to the fans, so this honor is especially meaningful for me and my family."

Fun first... and the true king of Chelsea

Asked about the secret to his football magic, Hazard replied that his style is about enjoying the ball, not overthinking, and aiming to entertain for 90 minutes—because fans pay to be delighted, even if it sometimes means cheering the opponent’s mistakes too.

Hazard described his relationship with Chelsea supporters as a true love story, explaining that the bond remained strong even after his move to Real Madrid in 2019, with Londoners regularly stopping him to express gratitude for his contributions.

Recalling his first league title, Hazard said it was a dream realized, especially with Drogba returning to Chelsea in 2014 and the sense that they could nurture further glory together. He also noted personal recognition, including the season’s best player award, as a treasured part of his journey.

He recalled celebrating in the locker room with teammates like John Terry and Drogba as a moment that gave the squad renewed motivation for the future.

Hazard reflected on the influence of coaches he played under at Chelsea—Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Maurizio Sarri—each bringing a different philosophy. He noted Sarri’s demanding sessions, Conte’s emphasis on duty in both defense and attack, and Mourinho’s concise encouragement that could lift him to new heights.

Roots and rise

Hazard spoke about his earliest memories of football—playing in his garden with his brothers, inspired by parents who were footballers. He explained that moving to Lille at 14 helped shape his professional ambitions, with his Belgian home life near a football hub fueling his creative development.

The family’s enduring pride

He finished with a warm note about his family—mentioning his brother Thorgan and Kilian, both now pursuing professional football—and expressed pride in their shared dream becoming a reality.

With Hazard now etched into the Premier League’s hall of fame, his name stands not only for skill and numbers but for turning football into a pure art that touches hearts as much as it does the eyes.

Punchlines

Punchline 1: If Hazard’s dribbling were weather, defenders would keep an umbrella handy, because every step is a surprise downpour of magic.

Punchline 2: Chelsea’s trophy cabinet just got a new shelf labeled “Hazard: the reason the net occasionally files a restraining order against the ball.”