Thorgan Hazard Return & Eden Hazard’s Message to Rudi Garcia
The question of whether Thorgan Hazard will once again feature for the Belgian national team, the Red Devils, is gaining traction as the March international window approaches. Currently co-leading the goalscoring charts in the Jupiler Pro League with 11 goals for Anderlecht, Hazard’s impressive form has sparked debate about a potential recall. However, any return hinges on one crucial condition, according to his brother and fellow footballer, Eden Hazard: playing time.
“If he’s called up, it’s to play him,” Eden Hazard stated in an interview with RTBF, as reported by multiple outlets. “I don’t think he’d accept being selected just to sit on the bench. Would he be a starter in the current team? I’m not sure. So my message to Rudi Garcia is: ‘If you grab Thorgan, play him, otherwise leave him at home.’”
The sentiment underscores Thorgan Hazard’s ambition and the importance he places on contributing meaningfully to the national team. His last appearance for Belgium came during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he featured in two of the group stage matches. Since then, Domenico Tedesco, the previous national team manager, did not include him in any squads. The arrival of Rudi Garcia as the modern head coach presents a fresh opportunity, but Eden’s comments suggest a cautious approach is warranted.
Eden Hazard’s assessment goes beyond simply wanting his brother involved. He acknowledges Thorgan’s current form, highlighting his status as the league’s top scorer. However, he also tempers expectations, noting that Thorgan is not yet at his peak performance level. “He’s the best scorer in the championship, but he’s not yet the best Thorgan,” Eden said. Despite this, he firmly believes his brother possesses the qualities – both talent and mentality – to contribute positively to the national team environment. “He’s a talented player, but above all he’s very important in a group. He has experience. He’s already played in two World Cups.”
The competitive landscape for a spot in the Belgian squad is fierce, particularly in attacking positions. The emergence of new talent and the established presence of other players create a challenging path for Hazard to secure a starting role. However, Garcia may observe value in Hazard’s versatility, potentially utilizing him in a “false 9” role or as a wing-back, positions he has occupied previously.
Garcia himself had previously indicated an interest in speaking with Eden Hazard upon taking the reins of the national team, as reported by RTL.be in December 2025. While the nature of those discussions remains unclear, it suggests a willingness to tap into the experience and insight of the former captain. However, Garcia has not publicly outlined any specific role for Eden within the team structure.
Belgium is scheduled to play friendly matches against the USA on and Mexico on , providing Garcia with an opportunity to assess potential candidates and experiment with different formations. These matches will be crucial in determining whether Thorgan Hazard will be included in the squad and, more importantly, whether he will be given the playing time his brother believes he deserves.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between rewarding current form and integrating players into a cohesive team dynamic. Garcia faces the challenge of building a competitive squad for the upcoming World Cup and his decision regarding Thorgan Hazard will be a significant indicator of his approach and priorities. Eden Hazard’s candid assessment serves as a clear message to the coach: a call-up without meaningful playing time would be unproductive for both the player and the national team.
Should Thorgan not be selected, Eden humorously suggested he’ll be available for a family vacation in Madrid. But beyond the familial banter, the underlying message is serious: Thorgan Hazard is a player who wants to contribute, and he’s willing to do so only if given the chance.