Eden Hazard: Dismissing the 'Golden Generation' of Belgian Football

Former Belgian football star, Eden Hazard, criticizes the 'golden generation' label for the national team, noting their achievements rather than title wins. Despite a quarterfinal finish in 2014 and bronze in 2018, the focus shifts to future talents under the leadership of Rudi Garcia.

Eden Hazard, the retired Belgian footballer, has dismissed the 'golden generation' label frequently used to describe Belgium's national team since their reappearance in major tournaments in 2014. Hazard described the term as mere 'journalist speak,' emphasizing the challenge of winning major trophies and expressing pride in their third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.

From 2014 to 2022, the Belgian side boasted top talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois, marking a period of formidable football and significant achievements. However, despite impressive performances, their World Cup journey ended in the group stage in 2022, following earlier quarterfinal and bronze achievements in 2014 and 2018, respectively.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, eyes are now on promising players like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, who represent hope for the future. With Rudi Garcia leading the team as coach, Hazard believes in his ability to guide the squad comprising both seasoned veterans and emerging stars, setting sights on continued accomplishments for Belgium.