Eden Hazard has dropped a bombshell about his former Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. The retired Belgian star thinks the Brazilian could walk away from football at just 30 years old. Why? The constant pressure and abuse he faces off the pitch.
Hazard opened up to Belgian broadcaster RTBF about his concerns for Vinicius. "He's got so much on his mind before a game that sometimes I say to myself, 'poor guy'," Hazard explained. The former Chelsea winger isn't just talking about normal pre-match nerves either.
The two players spent four seasons together at Real Madrid, though injuries meant they only shared the pitch 27 times. But that was enough time for Hazard to see what Vinicius deals with week in, week out. The Brazilian faces racist abuse and constant scrutiny, yet sanctions rarely follow.
"I wouldn't be surprised if at 30 he said he's leaving, that he's quitting football, because in any case nothing changes," Hazard said bluntly. That's a scary thought for Real Madrid fans and anyone who bets on Los Blancos. Vinicius is only 24 now, which could mean just six more years of his brilliance.
People Forget How Good He Actually Is
Hazard thinks the noise around Vinicius drowns out his actual talent. "Now there is more talk about what he does or what he suffers than what he contributes on the pitch," he noted. And he's right – Vinicius is an exceptional player who can change games in an instant.
"People forget what an exceptional player he is. That must weigh on him," Hazard continued. For punters backing Real Madrid, Vinicius remains a crucial factor in their odds. His ability to create and score makes him invaluable to any Real Madrid bet.
The Belgian sees similarities between himself and the Brazilian. Both just want to play beautiful football and enjoy themselves. "He is simply someone who likes football, who likes to play and who just wants to have fun. A bit like I was when I was on the pitch," Hazard said.
Hazard's Advice: Be Careful How You Celebrate
If Hazard could give Vinicius one piece of advice, it would be about managing perceptions. "Play the way you want to play, but be careful. People are waiting for you," he warned. It's sad that a player needs to think twice about celebrating.
Hazard brought up an interesting comparison with Ronaldinho. "When you dance, dance in a certain way so that people love you. Ronaldinho also danced and I don't remember seeing all these stories," he pointed out. The difference in how the two players are treated tells its own story.
Hazard himself retired at just 32 after a difficult spell at Real Madrid. He understands the mental toll professional football takes. Despite describing Vinicius as "mentally and physically strong," he clearly worries that even the toughest players have their limits.
