Hazard’s Chelsea Mount Rushmore reignites debate over club legends
Eden Hazard’s take on a Chelsea “Mount Rushmore” offers a revealing glimpse into how one of the club’s modern greats measures legacy and why those judgments rarely satisfy everyone.
In comments reported by SPORTbible, the former Chelsea forward was asked to name just four players from a club whose recent history is packed with defining figures. The result was a selection that prioritised leadership and decisive moments, while inevitably leaving out some revered names.
Chelsea’s rise in the Premier League era reshaped the club’s place in English and European football. League titles, domestic cups and two Champions League triumphs were delivered by players who dominated matches in very different ways, making any attempt to distil that success into four faces a contentious exercise.
Hazard’s opening choice was decisive. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Match for Hope in Qatar, he said: “JT (Terry). Captain. He's the leader.”
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John Terry’s influence extended far beyond his position at the heart of defence. As captain for more than a decade, he became the organisational and emotional centre of Chelsea’s most successful sides, a legacy later recognised with induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
From defensive authority, Hazard shifted to attacking impact. His second pick was Didier Drogba, whom he described as a “king.” Drogba’s reputation at Chelsea was forged in defining moments from FA Cup finals to his equaliser and winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final.
Frank Lampard followed as an almost unavoidable inclusion. Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer recorded 211 goals from midfield, a level of consistency and durability that set him apart even in an era filled with elite talent.
Hazard reserved the final place for himself. After naming the quartet, he added: “Good group of four no? Not bad.”
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During seven seasons at Stamford Bridge before his move to Real Madrid in 2019, Hazard was Chelsea’s primary creative force and a regular match-winner, particularly in domestic competition.
The choices, by definition, came with notable absences. Petr Cech central to all five Premier League title wins and the holder of the league’s single-season clean sheet record did not make the list. Ashley Cole, frequently cited as the benchmark left-back of his generation, was also omitted.
Hazard is set to appear in the 2026 Match for Hope in Qatar alongside former professionals and high-profile influencers. The charity fixture raised more than $10 million last year, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm GMT.
Source: SPORTbible
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