'Top five in the world' - Kevin De Bruyne reveals which former Belgium team-mate was on the same level as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar

Chelsea secured Hazard’s signature in 2012, paying £32 million to lure him from Lille after he had taken French football by storm. During his rise, Hazard earned several individual accolades, becoming the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. His influence grew further when he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year, setting records as the youngest recipient of the prestigious honour.

Hazard arrived at Stamford Bridge he lived up to the hype and over the next decade, he became one of the most electrifying talents in the Premier League, dazzling fans with his dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal. He inspired the Blues to six major trophies including two Premier League titles and two Europa Leagues.

Having spent years competing at the highest level, De Bruyne understands what separates the greats from the rest and in his view, Hazard was among the most gifted footballers of his generation, ranking just below Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.

“For me, it has to be Eden,” De Bruyne stated when asked who he considered the greatest Belgian player in Premier League history.

"I think, talent-wise, he’s probably like top-five in the world behind Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar. Eden on his day was so, so good. His quality in one-v-one, his dribbling, he never seemed to care, he was just playing football. I played with him since we were both 16 and he’s a really nice guy too."

Hazard’s career took a difficult turn following his highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid in 2019. Hampered by recurring injuries, he struggled to replicate the form that made him a superstar in England. Across four seasons, he managed only 76 appearances before the Spanish giants released him in 2023. Despite efforts to revive his career, the Belgian ultimately decided to hang up his boots, bringing an end to what was once a dazzling footballing journey.