Thorgan Hazard’s beautiful goal against Portugal — fooling Rui Patrício into believing that the ball was destined for the left-hand corner when in fact it faded into the far corner — will have been celebrated not only in bars across Belgium but in Germany, too.
It was a moment that the wing back desperately needed. Much like his older brother Eden, who has struggled with his fitness since moving to Real Madrid in 2019, the Borussia Dortmund player has been blighted by injuries in recent times.
A series of thigh and muscle problems restricted him to seven starts in the Bundesliga this season but he remains highly valued at his club. The 28-year-old is renowned for a hard-working attitude and team-mates admire him for running those few extra yards to help a defender or chase after a misplaced pass. “We know exactly how valuable he is,” Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund’s former captain, once said when he was asked about the often overlooked Hazard.
Regardless of past setbacks, the siblings are pillars of Belgium’s team, enjoying the trust of Roberto Martínez, the national team coach. The former Everton manager uses Thorgan as a wing back on the left side of his 3-4-2-1 system, relying on his stamina and speed. Often underrated and overlooked throughout his career, Thorgan has had to develop an iron will. Both he and his brother were signed by Chelsea in 2012, but while Eden, now 30, went on to become a star at Stamford Bridge, Thorgan was sent on a loan move to Zulte Waregem back home. He only spent 37 days in London with his sole appearance in a Chelsea shirt coming in August 2012 for the under-21 side in a 0-0 draw with Manchester City.
He was forced to work his way up the ranks outside the international spotlight in the Belgian Pro League and, after scoring 21 goals in 90 games across all competitions, impressed enough to earn a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
At first, he was regarded by the Bundesliga club as a bit-part player, but by the end of his five-year stint Thorgan was the star of the team, making fast-paced dribbles, cutting in from the left and shooting with marvellous technique from distance – just like he did on Sunday against Portugal.
When Dortmund signed him in 2019, supporters questioned whether the £21 million transfer was justified. Thorgan had to overcome doubts once again.
He grew up in a football family, his parents playing the game before becoming PE teachers. Both Eden and their 25-year-old brother Kylian Hazard, who is under contract at Cercle Brugge, have faced criticism regarding their work ethic in the past. Thorgan may arguably possess less natural talent than his siblings but he has shown himself to be incredibly driven. Now he is getting a hard-earned chance in the spotlight.
