Eden Hazard Exclusive Interview - Football Insights on Stake

We recently caught up with the Belgian Football Legend and Stake Ambassador Eden Hazard, to discuss all things 2026 International Soccer Tournament!

Discover Eden's exclusive insights on the 2026 World Cup, Belgium's chances, Real Madrid and Mourinho, Chelsea and Cole Palmer, and the rising stars of football below.

World Cup

Which team or player has impressed you the most so far at the World Cup?

I’d say France. I always used to watch Les Bleus when I was younger. I had Zidane’s shirt. They’ve started their tournament very well. They’re clearly one of the favourites and they didn’t miss their opening. Especially up front, Mbappé, Doué, Dembélé, Olise… Honestly, it’s pretty impressive.

Lamine Yamal is leading the odds for the World Cup Golden Ball. Do you think he can handle the pressure of being Spain’s main creative force, or is it too much to ask of him so early in his career?

It reminds me a little of when I started playing. I was about the same age and everyone expected a lot from me. But in the end, if he enjoys himself the way he knows how to on the pitch, I can see him having a great World Cup. He’s the kind of player people love to watch. That’s what football is, you have to enjoy it and make people dream.

People always argue over who you'd want in goal for a massive final. Emi Martínez is famous for his tournament heroics with Argentina, but Courtois’ performance in the 2022 Champions League final was legendary. Who is the ultimate big-game goalkeeper between those two?

Both are very strong, it’s difficult to compare them. Thibaut Courtois is Belgian so obviously he holds a special place for me, and he’s already shown what he’s capable of. But at a World Cup, things are different. Look at the goalkeepers from Cape Verde or Qatar… I also think of those from Japan or Mexico. It’s great to discover new players like that.

Everyone is talking about the heavy hitters like France, Brazil and England. Is there an underdog team at this World Cup that you’ve been watching that could shock everyone and make a deep run?

Belgium, obviously. There’s a lot of talent in our squad. I think we can cause a surprise! We have a good mix of youth and experience. It’s just a shame none of the Hazard brothers are in it…

The race for the Golden Boot is stacked with Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland all at their peak. If you had to pick one name, who wins the Golden Boot this summer?

Don’t forget Dembélé, he’s solid! It’s hard to say. We’ll see who wins the World Cup. There are still plenty of candidates. Personally, I prefer a player who puts on a show, who dribbles, who has fun… But at this World Cup, I can see Mbappé finishing as top scorer.

Who do you think will make it to the final and who wins the World Cup?

Belgium, I hope! Why not play France again, that could be a great match. It won’t be easy but I hope they can reach the final and why not win the World Cup. I think Spain will go far too, we’ll see.

What would your combined England/Belgium team be?

Easy, I’d only pick Belgians!

Belgium

How far do you think Belgium will progress at the 2026 World Cup?

As I said, I hope they go on to win it. If they have a good run, the country will already be happy. The main thing is that they have a great tournament and score lots of goals so we can celebrate. I trust them.

You’ve called the phrase "Golden Generation" just "journalist-speech". Looking back at finishing third in 2018, do you feel pure pride, or will you always wonder "what if?"

Of course we wanted to win it. We had a fantastic team, a very good generation, that’s for sure. But we didn’t win because France beat us, that’s how it is. It came down to fine margins, but we’re very proud of ourselves. You just have to look at the reaction of the people when we came back, we all celebrated together. That’s what counts in the end: being able to celebrate that wonderful World Cup. I think people don’t hold it against us and we tried to make them dream.

Belgium is transitioning under your former Lille boss, Rudi Garcia.

I know Rudi well. We won a title together. He’s a good coach, he knows how to bring a group together and he knows how to win. I even called him to give him a few tips.

How well do you think he’ll balance veterans like De Bruyne and Lukaku with exciting players like Jérémy Doku?

Ah, Jérémy is pretty good, isn’t he? I tried to teach him a few things. More seriously, they’re all very strong, but it’s as a team that they’ll be able to win. We have good players in every position and if Kevin and Romelu are in form, it can make the difference, for sure.

This is most likely going to be Kevin De Bruyne’s final World Cup. If he wants to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, does he have to win this tournament, or has he already proven enough?

He’s already proved a great deal. Kevin is one of the best players I’ve ever played with and he has nothing left to prove. Look at his stats, they speak for themselves. We know what he’s capable of and he’s been one of the best midfielders for several years both at club level and with the national team. Now he just needs to enjoy this World Cup and try to bring the cup home if possible.

Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has joined Real Madrid, will he sort out the dressing room and return La Liga and Champions League glory to the club?

For a special club, you need the Special One. José is a coach who suits Real Madrid. He already knows the club and the players will respect him. He’s a winner, I’ve won things with him. He knows how to manage a group and he’ll know how to protect the players from the media too. I can’t wait to see how it goes, it would be great if he brings back a trophy.

Chelsea

You spent your best years in England and are widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players in Premier League history. When you look at the league today, do you see any wingers who play with that same carefree, unpredictable style that defined your game?

Hard to say. Football has evolved a bit. But obviously, I watch Chelsea and Cole Palmer is a player I enjoy watching, and I hope he’ll be able to win trophies with the Blues.

Is Estevao the perfect modern-day Chelsea winger? How great a player can he be for the club?

He’s young, you have to give him time. His first season was decent. On top of that, he comes from Brazil, so he has that quality in his feet. He can bring that flair, that pace too. I like him, it’s a shame he couldn’t take part in the World Cup… That’s tough for him, but I hope he’ll come back stronger.

Do you ever wonder what you would have achieved with Manchester United had you joined them over Chelsea?

In the end, I’m very proud to have joined Chelsea and everything I achieved with them.

Chelsea have just appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Do you think he is the right man to finally bring stability and success back to Stamford Bridge?

I know it’s been difficult at Real because he didn’t necessarily get the time he needed, unlike in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. That said, the Premier League is complicated too, but he knows the competition well. I hope he can give us what we need… But Liverpool can’t be allowed to win though (laughs).

Cole Palmer has been spectacular since joining Chelsea, often drawing comparisons to how you used to single-handedly decide games. Can he become a legend at the club? And where would he rank?

As I’ve already said, he’s a very talented young man. I don’t really like comparisons because football was different when I played, different opponents, different style. No need to compare himself to me; he has everything it takes to make a name for himself and I hope it will be with Chelsea.

If Chelsea do need some experience, is there a player you’d like the club to sign? John Stones? Re-sign Toni Rudiger?

I would have suggested myself, but I’m not playing anymore. If experience is needed, I’m sure the club will find the right player.

Thomas Tuchel shocked everyone by leaving Palmer out of England’s World Cup squad. In your opinion, do you think he should have gone, and is it amistake to leave that kind of talent at home?

When you see what he’s capable of doing, it’s obviously a shame for him. On top of that, we know he can make the difference in a final, like at the Club World Cup. But in the end, it’s the manager’s choice.