Real Madrid

Hazard: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Vinícius retires at 30”

The former teammate of the Real Madrid number 7 spoke about the pressure the Brazilian is under and the constant controversies surrounding him.

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Jorge Muñoz

Update: Mar 11th, 2026 14:47 EDT

Vinícius Júnior is once again at the center of the media storm. Between his celebrations, constant scrutiny, and the controversies that seem to follow him on and off the pitch, the Real Madrid star has now received support from someone who knows the club’s environment inside out: Eden Hazard.

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In an interview with Belgian outlet RTBF, the former Madrid forward reflected on the noise surrounding Vinícius and urged people to tone down the criticism. “He’s simply someone who loves football and just wants to have fun,” Hazard said.

“There’s too much noise around him”

Hazard, who shared the locker room with Vinícius during his time at Real Madrid, believes the Brazilian is surrounded by far too many distractions before every match. In his view, the conversation has shifted away from Vinícius’ performances and toward everything happening around him.

“People talk more about what he does or what he suffers than about what he brings to the team,” Hazard explained.

He also warned that the constant pressure — combined with Vinícius’ ongoing fight against racism — could take a toll on him in the long run.

“He knows nothing really happens in terms of sanctions. It must be a burden. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at 30, he says he’s done, that he’s leaving football because nothing changes anyway,” Hazard said.

Ronaldinho also danced, and I don’t remember seeing all these stories."
Eden Hazard

Comparing Vinícius to Ronaldinho

To put the debate in context, Hazard invoked the example of Ronaldinho. “He danced too, and I don’t remember seeing all these stories about him,” he noted.

With that comparison, Hazard defended Vinícius’ expressive personality while also pointing out that football has always had charismatic players — and their joy never used to spark this level of controversy.

A message of support… and caution

Hazard wrapped up his thoughts with a direct message to the Real Madrid winger: “Play the way you want to play, have fun.”

But he also added a note of caution: “Be careful — people are watching you. When you dance, dance in a certain way so people like it.”

A mix of admiration and warning, Hazard’s comments highlight the delicate balance Vinícius must navigate: being one of the most electrifying players in the world while carrying the weight of constant scrutiny, cultural battles, and expectations that go far beyond the field.