Eden Hazard fears Vinicius Junior could walk away from football at 30

Former Eden Hazard believes Vinícius Júnior could retire far earlier than expected as relentless scrutiny and repeated racist abuse threaten to drain the joy from the Brazilian’s career.

Hazard made the observation while discussing the Real Madrid forward’s recent experiences, including the controversy that followed Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League tie at the Estádio da Luz last month.

The match was overshadowed by allegations that Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist remark at Vinícius, prompting the Brazilian to appeal for the game to be halted.

Pressure beyond the pitch

Vinícius has repeatedly faced racist abuse during his career in Spain, with many incidents shifting attention away from his performances and instead toward the hostility surrounding him.

Speaking to RTBF, Hazard warned that the constant off-field noise risks overshadowing the brilliance that has made the Brazilian one of football’s most electrifying attackers.

“Nowadays, people talk more about what he does off the pitch or what he goes through, rather than what he brings to the game. People forget what an exceptional player he is.”

“All this must weigh on him. It can’t be easy to take to the pitch thinking only about football. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at 30, he said he was leaving, that he was quitting football, because nothing would change anyway.”

Vinícius responds

The 24-year-old later addressed the episode on social media, condemning racists as “cowards” and admitting that such incidents have become a painful and familiar part of his professional journey.

He wrote: “He’s just someone who likes football, who loves to play and just wants to have fun. A bit like me when I was on the pitch.”

“I would say to him, ‘Be careful. Play the way you want to play, but be careful. People are waiting for you to slip up. Keep playing, enjoy yourself and entertain the true football fans.”

Despite the turmoil, the Real Madrid star remains one of the game’s most decisive players yet the debate over racism in Spanish football continues to shadow his talent.