Eden Hazard claims that a tackle from Belgium teammate Thomas Meunier in 2019 marked the beginning of his decline.
Eden Hazard has accused former Belgium teammate Thomas Meunier of deliberately injuring him. This tackle marked the beginning of Hazard’s career decline.
The former Chelsea star was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. His dream move to Real Madrid in 2019 unraveled due to persistent injuries. Hazard was signed to become the Bernabéu’s next superstar under Zinedine Zidane. However, he endured four frustrating seasons. These seasons were plagued by fitness struggles. He had limited appearances and underwhelming performances.
Hazard featured in just 76 matches, scoring seven goals before retiring in October 2023 at age 32. Critics pointed to his higher weight arrival. They also mentioned his recurring muscle problems and a fractured ankle against Levante. However, Hazard insists the turning point came on November 26, 2019, during Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Recalling the incident in a recent interview with RMC Sport’s Les Nuits du Cazarre Enchaîné, Hazard said:
Hazard went further, alleging intent:
“Thomas Meunier hit me with unforgettable force. I think he did it on purpose; he wanted to hurt me. He even told me later that he wanted me to be injured.”
The aftermath was devastating. Multiple ankle surgeries followed. Hazard never regained the dazzling form he once had. This form made him the Premier League’s most feared playmaker. His Madrid chapter, meant to crown him the world’s best, instead became one of football’s greatest disappointments.
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