The Rest Is Football
Episode: Eden Hazard: The Moments That Made Them
Date: April 22, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker ("Host"), Alan Shearer, Micah Richards ("Gaz")
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards revisit the career of Eden Hazard, focusing on the key moments that defined his legacy in Premier League and beyond. The trio blend football insight with playful banter, exploring Hazard's technical brilliance, his transition to Real Madrid, the impact of injuries, and his place among Premier League greats. They reflect on iconic goals, memorable matches, coaching influences, and the unique "maverick" quality Hazard brought to the pitch.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Pronunciation and Personality (02:17–03:29)
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The hosts open with a lighthearted debate over the pronunciation of Hazard’s first name—“Eden” or “Eddon”—settling, with typical irreverence, on "Eddon" for the episode.
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Alan jokes about nostalgic references and playful back-and-forth on classic songs.
“Tomato, tomato. Same thing, isn’t it?”
— Alan (02:57)
2. Alan’s Brief Encounter with Hazard (03:29–04:46)
3. Iconic Hazard Moments
Arsenal Goal (05:16–06:21)
Liverpool Goal (09:45–10:51)
West Ham Goal (22:01–22:41)
4. Hazard’s Footballing Style & Influence (07:07–11:59)
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Discussion on what set Hazard apart:
- His “street footballer” style compared to Ronaldo’s precision professionalism.
- Physical strength despite his small stature; comparisons to Maradona and Messi.
“For someone being so small, how strong he was to knock [people] off the ball.”
— Gaz (07:44)
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The panel laments the declining presence of expressive, dribbling mavericks in today’s hyper-structured game.
“That’s what the game’s missing now... this is what the game is missing.”
— Alan (10:24)
- The group wonders if such creativity is being coached out at the top level, where analytics and shape dominate.
5. Hazard vs. Mo Salah & Footballing Legacy (14:55–15:47)
6. Chelsea Title-Winning Years & Coaches (15:47–16:56)
7. The Leicester City Title Connection (17:28–21:39)
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Gary recalls with emotion Hazard’s famous equalizer vs. Tottenham in 2016, which effectively handed Leicester the Premier League title, confessing it made him “cry.”
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Vivid retelling of watching the crucial match and the ensuing celebrations, with historical backstory on Leicester’s rise.
“That goal made me cry, Micah, did it, Alan. I cried.”
— Host (17:55)
“Apart from Aguero moment, that’s the best story, isn’t it?”
— Alan (19:41)
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Gary shares a heartfelt encounter with Hazard at the Ballon d’Or:
“Man, you’re my hero.”
— Host (21:30)
8. Real Madrid Move and Career Winding Down (06:43–07:43, 22:43–22:59)
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The group acknowledges Hazard’s move to Madrid was marred by injuries and questions if he ever gave himself the best chance to succeed there.
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Consensus: his Premier League prime was “best to ever do it,” but “injuries smashed his ankles” and ultimately eclipsed his final years.
“It’s a shame that his career petered out because of injury, I would say. His ankles were absolutely smashed.”
— Host (22:43)
9. A Hopeful Invite (23:01–23:14)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Hazard’s Impact:
- “For a couple of years, he was the best player.” — Alan (06:24)
- On Changing Landscape:
- “Everything’s just a bit… I don’t want to say robotic… but if someone does something out of the ordinary, they’re almost not supposed to.” — Alan (10:51)
- On Leicester’s Title:
- “That goal made me cry.” — Host (17:55)
- On Comparisons:
- “Mo Salah takes more pride in scoring goals. Hazard takes more pride in maybe creating something magical.” — Alan (15:13)
- On Injury and Farewell:
- “We miss him.” — Alan (22:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening Hazard Anecdotes & Name Debate: 02:17–03:29
- Alan vs. Hazard on the Pitch: 03:29–04:46
- Iconic Goals: Arsenal: 05:16–06:21
- Madrid Move & Injury: 06:43–07:43
- Hazard’s Playing Style: 07:44–11:59
- Hazard vs. Mo Salah: 14:55–15:47
- Chelsea Title Years & Conte: 15:47–16:56
- Leicester’s Title, Tottenham Goal: 17:28–21:39
- West Ham Goal & Final Years: 22:01–22:59
- Final Invite to Hazard: 23:01–23:14
Final Thoughts
The episode offers a fitting tribute to Eden Hazard, balancing sharp analysis with nostalgia and humor. The hosts celebrate his unique talent, lament his injury-stricken end, and situate him among the great entertainers of the Premier League era.