Eden Hazard’s brilliance has finally been immortalized. On Wednesday, the Premier League officially inducted the former Chelsea star into its Hall of Fame, recognizing his unforgettable impact during seven dazzling seasons in England. The Belgian playmaker became the 26th member to receive this honor, joining Manchester United legend Gary Neville as part of the 2025 intake.
Hazard’s inclusion feels like a natural step in celebrating one of the league’s most gifted entertainers. With his electric dribbling, balance, and eye for goal, Hazard regularly lit up Stamford Bridge and earned the respect of fans across the country.
A Glittering Chelsea Career
Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 and quickly became the heart of the team’s attack. Over seven seasons, he made 245 Premier League appearances, scoring 85 goals and providing 54 assists.
His time at Chelsea was filled with silverware. He won:
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Two Premier League titles (2014–15, 2016–17)
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One FA Cup
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One Carabao Cup
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Two Europa League titles
But beyond the numbers, Hazard was pure joy to watch. Defenders struggled to contain his quick feet and low center of gravity. His 2015 campaign remains unforgettable, as he swept all major individual awards, Premier League Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, and PFA Players’ Player of the Year, a rare clean sweep that underlined his dominance.
Manchester United Still Lead the Pack
Hazard’s induction also shifts the spotlight to the clubs dominating the Hall of Fame. Unsurprisingly, Manchester United continue to lead the list with 10 inductees, a reflection of their era-defining dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, who is himself among those honored.
United’s Hall of Fame members include legends like Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and Rio Ferdinand.
Trailing them are Arsenal with eight, including Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Arsène Wenger, and Ashley Cole.
Chelsea, now with Hazard added, boast six inductees, while Manchester City have five, reflecting their more recent success in the modern era.
Complete List of Hall of Fame Legends
2021:
David Beckham
Dennis Bergkamp
Eric Cantona
Thierry Henry
Roy Keane
Frank Lampard
Steven Gerrard
Alan Shearer
2022:
Sergio Aguero
Didier Drogba
Vincent Kompany
Wayne Rooney
Peter Schmeichel
Paul Scholes
Patrick Vieira
Ian Wright
2023:
Sir Alex Ferguson
Arsene Wenger
Rio Ferdinand
Petr Cech
Tony Adams
2024:
Andrew Cole
Ashley Cole
John Terry
2025:
Gary Neville
Eden Hazard
2025 Shortlist: The Names That Missed Out
Hazard and Neville were the successful candidates this year — but 15 other legends missed out. No managers were shortlisted.
- Sol Campbell
- Michael Carrick
- Jermain Defoe
- Patrice Evra
- Cesc Fabregas
- Les Ferdinand
- Robbie Fowler
- Eden Hazard
- Gary Neville
- Michael Owen
- Teddy Sheringham
- David Silva
- Yaya Toure
- Edwin van der Sar
- Nemanja Vidic
The Selection Process
Not just any player can enter this exclusive club. To be eligible, players must be retired and meet key milestones, such as at least 250 Premier League appearances, 200 appearances for one club, or major awards like Player of the Season, Golden Boot, or Golden Glove.
Each year, a shortlist of candidates is drawn up based on performances, legacy, and public votes. In 2025, 17 players were nominated, but only Hazard and Neville were ultimately chosen.
A Legacy of Joy and Genius
For fans, Hazard’s induction is a reminder of an era when football was fun, expressive, and unpredictable. Whether it was his solo goal against Arsenal, his title-clinching strike versus Tottenham in 2016, or his dazzling dribbles through packed defenses, Hazard brought flair and joy to the Premier League.
Though injuries later hampered his time at Real Madrid, his English legacy remains untarnished. The Belgian leaves behind a memory of artistry that will live long in Premier League folklore.
As Hazard once said, “When I’m on the pitch, I just want to enjoy football.”
Now, the Hall of Fame ensures the world will enjoy his legacy forever.
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