Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Lamine Yamal as the only dribbler better than him. The Belgian legend has always believed that he has been one of the most talented players in recent years.
In a video posted by UEFA Champions League's official account on X (FKA Twitter), Hazard was questioned to remain silent until he heard the name of a player, who was a better dribbler than himself. They started with Desire Doue, Rafael Leao, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Raphinha, but they did not move Hazard.
The first change in expression from Hazard came after the host mentioned Riyad Mahrez and Vinicius Jr, but he stayed silent despite hinting that two wingers were excellent dribblers. He had his poker face back on after the host mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo and remained silent for Yamal as well. The mention of Neymar also saw the Belgian think for a bit, but only Messi got him to break his silence.
In an interview with L'Equipe last year, Hazard said that he was a better footballer than Ronaldo, but not Messi. He admitted that the Portuguese superstar was a bigger player and said (via GOAL):
"Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one. 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: Benzema, Modric, they were the best, Kroos, Kev' (De Bruyne), they all exude football."
Eden Hazard retired from all forms of football in 2023 after terminating his contract at Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, while Lamine Yamal penned a contract until 2031 at Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo wants fans to let Lamine Yamal develop without pressure
Cristiano Ronaldo talked about Lamine Yamal earlier this summer, saying that the Spaniard needs to be given space for breathing on his own. He believes that the Barcelona youngster has the talent to be one of the best and said (via BBC):
"This kid has been doing things really well at a club and national team that help him very much. It's a great atmosphere for him to show his quality. Let him grow, do not put him under pressure so we can enjoy a talent like this for many years. I would like to take pressure off him and leave him alone. He's got plenty of talent."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal faced off in the UEFA Nations League final, which Portugal won 5-3 in the penalty shootout after the game ended 2-2.