Eden Hazard: Ex Chelsea Star Criticized for Lacking 'Ronaldo' Mentality After Early Retirement

• Eden Hazard stunned the football world with the decision to hang his boots on Tuesday, October 10
• His early retirement has been blamed on his supposed "weak" mentality
• A former Chelsea star believes if Hazard had the mentality of Cristiano Ronaldo, he would have been the best player in the world

Eden Hazard's unexpected retirement at the age of 32 sent shockwaves through the football world.

His decision elicited mixed reactions, with some asserting that Hazard never reached his full potential, particularly during his injury-riddled tenure at Real Madrid.

Injuries undoubtedly impacted Hazard's career, but he also faced scrutiny for his perceived lack of dedication to professional football.

This aspect of his work ethic did not escape notice from some of his former teammates. Toni Kroos of Real Madrid voiced his discontent, suggesting that Hazard had allowed his career to decline.

A list of footballers with autism in the world right now

Football

Similarly, Mikel Obi, Hazard's Chelsea teammate, was quite direct, branding him as the "least hardworking player" he had played alongside, per Sky Sports.

As fans grappled with Hazard's early retirement decision, former footballer turned pundit Joe Cole offered a theory.

Cole posited that if Hazard had approached his career with the same mentality as Cristiano Ronaldo, he could have ascended to the status of the world's best player.

"He should have been the best player in the world," the 41-year-old told The Athletic as quoted by ESPN.

"That little spell where Luka Modric won the Ballon d’Or – that should have been Eden Hazard. He couldn’t have lived a life like Cristiano Ronaldo. You know, ice baths at 1 a.m. and all that…that’s not him."

Cole stressed: "If he had, he probably would have won every personal award on there. But Eden did things his way."

Who Zinedine Zidane picked between Messi and Ronaldo in GOAT debate

Football

Walker names Hazard toughest opponent

In a previous publication, Sports Brief reported that Kyle Walker named Eden Hazard as the toughest winger he faced.

Similarly, Hazard once named Walker as one of the toughest fullbacks he's faced owing to his speed and strength, also pointing to their battles during his Tottenham days.

Walker also named Senegalese winger Sadio Mane as another one of his toughest opponents.