Kevin De Bruyne praises the best 3 players in the current game that are more better than Eden Hazard you won’t believe the players he mentioned
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from Belgium, with a trophy-laden career and countless jaw-dropping performances at both club and international level. However, when asked to name the best player his country has ever produced, the Manchester City maestro humbly passed the crown to a former teammate: Eden Hazard.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, De Bruyne didn’t hesitate in offering high praise for the now-retired winger. “For me, it has to be Eden,” he said. “He’s so, so good. I think talent-wise, he’s probably top five in the world.”
Given De Bruyne’s own stature in the game—six Premier League titles, a Champions League win, and countless assists—his admiration for Hazard speaks volumes. While many would argue that De Bruyne himself deserves the “greatest Belgian” tag, his deference to Hazard underscores the deep respect he holds for his former national team colleague.
Hazard: A Career of Pure Brilliance (and Heartbreak)
Eden Hazard’s journey to stardom began in France with Lille, where his electric pace and dribbling ability lit up Ligue 1. His breakout performances attracted attention from Europe’s elite, and in 2012, Chelsea swooped in to bring him to Stamford Bridge. It was in London that Hazard evolved from a prodigious talent into one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
During his seven-year spell at Chelsea, Hazard was at the heart of the Blues’ success. He won two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, consistently turning in match-winning displays on the biggest stages. His ability to glide past defenders, create something from nothing, and deliver in clutch moments made him a fan favourite and a nightmare for opponents.
In 2019, Hazard made a dream move to Real Madrid, but injuries and inconsistency sadly hampered his time in Spain. While he still managed to win two La Liga titles, he was never able to replicate the brilliance he showed at Chelsea. Hazard officially retired from professional football in 2023 at the age of 32—a decision many felt came too early given his immense ability.
De Bruyne’s Top Five: A Nod to Global Greats
De Bruyne’s praise for Hazard didn’t stop at calling him Belgium’s best. He went even further, placing Hazard among the most naturally gifted footballers the world has seen in recent years. In De Bruyne’s eyes, only three players in the modern era surpass Hazard in terms of raw talent: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar.
That’s an elite group by any measure. Messi and Ronaldo have defined an era of football dominance with their mind-blowing stats, relentless competitiveness, and historic trophy hauls. Neymar, while not as consistent, dazzled fans with flair, vision, and skill—qualities that Hazard often mirrored at his peak.
Interestingly, all three players De Bruyne named are older than Hazard, who hung up his boots at 32. Neymar, now 33, recently made a high-profile return to Brazilian club Santos, following a short-lived stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. His European career was filled with glittering moments, including a Champions League title with Barcelona and a stack of league trophies with both Barça and Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi, now a World Cup winner with Argentina, won the Champions League four times (the last in 2015 with Neymar) and dominated La Liga for over a decade with ten titles, before adding two Ligue 1 titles in Paris.
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, his career has spanned nearly two decades at the highest level, including legendary spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, before making the switch to Saudi side Al-Nassr in 2023. A five-time Champions League winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Ronaldo remains one of the game’s greatest ever.
What’s Next for De Bruyne?
While Hazard has called time on his career, De Bruyne remains very much in the spotlight—but perhaps not for long. Reports have increasingly linked the 32-year-old midfield maestro with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League once he departs Manchester City. With his contract winding down and fresh challenges possibly on the horizon, a lucrative transfer to the Middle East is on the cards.
If De Bruyne does make the move, it would mark the end of an era for Manchester City, where he has served as the creative heartbeat of the team for nearly a decade. Regardless of where he ends up, he’s certain to go down as a legend of the Premier League and Belgian football history.
Still, in his own words, Eden Hazard remains the standard by which he measures talent—a reminder that greatness isn’t just about trophies and longevity, but also about the unique flair and joy a player brings to the game.
