Share this @internewscast.com

Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has insisted he was a superior player to Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘pure football’ terms.

Hazard retired from professional football back in October 2023 after his contract at Real Madrid ended earlier that year.

Since hanging up his boots, the former Belgium international has given various interviews free from the shackles of responsibility for club and country.

During a sit-down with L’Equipe, Hazard waded in on Ronaldo’s rivalry against Lionel Messi, while he also said that while the Portugal superstar was ‘bigger’ than him, he was inferior in one aspect.

FBL-EUR-C1-CHELSEA-BARCELONA

Hazard also spoke glowingly of Messi / IAN KINGTON/GettyImages

“Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one,” Hazard said when asked about players better than himself. “I loved watching the Barcelona player, less so at the end, but he’s the greatest in history. It’s impossible to take the ball away from him.

“Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don’t think so. Neymar, maybe. After that, he’s no better than me, but at Real, you’ve got the best, also in terms of their careers: [Karim] Benzema, [Luka] Modric, they were the best, Kroos, Kev [De Bruyne], they all exude football.”

Hazard was also asked if he could have had the mentality or dedication to play out a career like Ronaldo’s replying: “No. It wouldn’t have been me. After a meeting, go for an hour in the cold bath, no. Leave me alone, with my friends, we go home, we play cards, we drink a beer. I play for two hours with my sons in the garden. It was my recovery. If I had been like Cristiano, that’s the example, there are others, I would have burned out.”

Ronaldo was scheduled to face off against Messi for potentially the final time in their respective careers on Thursday when Al Nassr face Inter Miami in a friendly. However, Messi could only muster seven minutes from the bench and Ronaldo was ruled out with a muscle injury.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

INSIDE RANGERS: Despite the Ibrox board’s possible connections to Leeds, don’t expect any friendly discussions between their rival managers!

With the 49ers Enterprises on board at both clubs, there will naturally…

Lamine Yamal Joins Neymar for a Casual Game of Street Soccer During Brazil Visit

As Barcelona isn’t participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, their players…

CELTIC INSIDER: Will a sibling of a past Celtic prodigy find success at Parkhead?

The younger brother of Karamoko Dembele has signed his first professional deal…

Boxer and Influencer Stefi Cohen Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge Following Last Year’s Leak of Ex’s New Partner’s Photos

Former powerlifter and now a professional boxer, Stefi Cohen, has been detained…

How Arsenal Secured Martin Zubimendi: Real Madrid’s Missed Opportunity, Man City’s Short Interest, and the Impact of the £51m Deal on Declan Rice

Europe’s elite had registered their interest. Real Madrid tried to swoop in.…

Heartache for Unlucky Rabbitohs Player Faces Major Setback Upon Injury Recovery—Here’s Why Fans Are Fuming

Brandon Smith’s much-anticipated comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament tear ended in…

Tottenham Unveils Stylish 2025/26 Away Kit Celebrating Champions League Comeback

Tottenham Hotspur has unveiled its eye-catching new away kit for the 2025/26…

Diogo Jota’s 200mph Lamborghini: Liverpool Player and Brother in £180k Sports Car Lose Control During Overtake Attempt

Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre are understood to have been driving…

Man United Make Historic Shirt Number Decision for 14-Year-Old Talent ‘Kid Messi’ Amid Interest from Top European Clubs

Manchester United have reportedly handed wonderkid JJ Gabriel a unique squad number. …

Ex-Championship Manager Finds New Role at Airport After Dismissal

In February 2025, Luke Williams was sacked as Swansea City manager after…

Kalvin Phillips Joins West Ham on Loan from Man City, Future Remains Uncertain

Kalvin Phillips has completed his move to West Ham, joining on-loan from…