The Reason Behind Barcelona’s Decision Not to Sign Eden Hazard Revealed
The decision wasn’t based on a lack of quality — Hazard had plenty of that — but rather on attitude, a core value in Barcelona’s philosophy.
The story behind Barcelona's decision not to sign Eden Hazard has come to light. Bojan Krkic Sr., a former scout for the club and father of player Bojan Krkic, explained on Cadena SER's program *Què T’hi Jugues* the details of the evaluation that led the Catalan team to pass on one of Belgium’s most promising talents. According to Krkic, Hazard’s skill was undeniable, but his attitude and commitment failed to convince Barça's scouting team, who ultimately decided not to recommend his transfer while he was still playing at Lille.
It all started at the U-17 European Championship, where Hazard shined for the Belgian national team. Bojan Krkic Sr., who was closely tracking young talents for Barcelona, noticed Hazard’s technical skill and prowess on the field. However, in crucial moments like the tournament final, the player’s lack of intensity and commitment raised initial concerns. This led Krkic to monitor his performance in other games to either confirm or dispel this first impression.
In a match between Lille and Montpellier, Krkic observed behaviors that reinforced his doubts. While Hazard's teammates worked hard during the warm-up, Hazard appeared distant, even disconnected from the team. This conduct, though seemingly isolated, was a clear sign to Barça's scout. “He played well, but in terms of dedication and attitude, he didn’t convince me,” Krkic admitted. For Barcelona, discipline and commitment are as crucial as individual talent, and Hazard seemed to lack both on the field.
The situation repeated itself a few days later in another match against Angers. Hazard, relegated to the bench on that occasion, showed no interest in warming up with his teammates. “I wrote ‘discarded’ in the report,” Krkic said, noting that this type of attitude had proven problematic with other players he’d encountered over the years.
Ultimately, Barcelona chose to pass on the chance to sign Hazard. Years later, Real Madrid would acquire him for an astronomical sum, but the Belgian never managed to establish himself with the team. Persistent injuries and lack of commitment — the same factors that worried Barcelona — would ultimately define his time in Spanish football.
Today, this story serves as a reminder that success in football goes far beyond raw talent. For a club like Barcelona, which prides itself on a culture of sacrifice and professionalism, dedication and attitude remain the real stars of the team.