Zinedine Zidane has reflected on Eden Hazard’s difficult spell at Real Madrid, acknowledging that physical problems prevented the Belgian forward from showing everything he wanted to during his time at the Spanish giants.
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 with huge expectations, but his time at the Santiago Bernabéu was repeatedly disrupted by injuries and fitness problems. He ultimately left the club in 2023 after four seasons, having made 76 appearances across all competitions.
Zidane, who coached Hazard during his time in Madrid, said the Belgian’s physical issues played a major role in limiting his impact.
“Because of physical issues, Eden Hazard could not give what he wanted to give at Real Madrid.”
Despite the difficulties, Zidane stressed that his memories of Hazard remain positive, both as a footballer and as a person.
“But in any case, I have good memories of him. Memories of him as a player and a person.”
Hazard arrived at Real Madrid after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s outstanding attacking players with Chelsea. However, injuries, particularly problems involving his ankle, repeatedly interrupted his time in Spain.
The Belgian eventually announced his retirement from professional football in October 2023 at the age of 32.
Zidane’s comments underline the gap between the player Hazard hoped to be at Real Madrid and what his recurring physical problems ultimately allowed him to deliver.
