Chelsea Legend at Stamford Bridge
On Wednesday, the Premier League announced that former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame. The Belgian winger is the sixth player from Stamford Bridge to receive this honor, with the league presenting him with an engraved medallion to commemorate the occasion.
“I grew up playing football for fun with my brothers in the backyard, but my dream was always to compete at the highest level,” Hazard expressed in a Chelsea interview. “I aimed to entertain the fans, whether they were in the stands or watching from home. This recognition means a lot to me and my family. My parents were both footballers, and now my children enjoy the game as well.”
After transferring to Chelsea in 2012 from Lille for €35 million, Hazard quickly solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s best players and a standout talent in European football. Over his impressive 11-year career at Stamford Bridge, he netted 110 goals and provided 88 assists in 352 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, and the FA Cup in 2018.
Unsurprisingly, Hazard’s market value rose significantly during his peak years at Chelsea. Upon his arrival, his value was estimated at €33 million, but it steadily climbed over six years to an astonishing €150 million. Although that figure diminished during his challenging years at Real Madrid, it remains a remarkable record for any Chelsea player and still stands today.
As shown in the table above, Hazard remains the all-time most valuable player in Chelsea’s history. Following him is Cole Palmer, whose peak market value reached €130 million last year. Though Palmer’s value has since decreased by €10 million, there’s strong belief that the 23-year-old has the potential to rival Hazard’s impact at the club and possibly reach those previous heights.
Additionally, three current Chelsea players rank in the top 10: Moisés Caicedo stands fifth with a market value of €100 million, Enzo Fernández is in sixth place following a peak value of €85 million in 2023, and Reece James, valued at €70 million three years ago, secures the final spot in the top 10. Although all three players are currently performing well, it seems unlikely that any will surpass Hazard’s top position.
