Thorgan Hazard
A creative midfield force who carved his own path out of his famous brother's shadow to become a key figure for Belgium's national team.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Belgian footballer·Birthday: March 29·Millennials
Biography
Thorgan Hazard's football story is one of quiet determination and a deliberate escape from a looming legacy. Born into a family of footballers, most notably his older brother Eden, Thorgan began his career at Lens before a move to Chelsea in 2012 saw him immediately loaned out. It was in Germany, first with Borussia Mönchengladbach and then Borussia Dortmund, where he truly forged his identity. Unlike his more flamboyant sibling, Thorgan developed a reputation as a versatile, intelligent attacker with a lethal shot from distance and a keen eye for a decisive pass. His performances earned him a regular spot in Belgium's golden generation, contributing to their third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. A return to his homeland with Anderlecht in 2023 marked a full-circle moment for a player who proved his worth was entirely his own.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Thorgan was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Thorgan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Thorgan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the German Supercup with Borussia Dortmund in 2019.
- Scored a spectacular long-range goal for Belgium against Russia at the 2021 European Championship.
- Named the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year in 2019 while at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- Helped Belgium secure a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Did You Know?
He is one of four footballing brothers: Eden, Thorgan, Kylian, and Ethan.
He was signed by Chelsea on the same day as his brother Eden in 2012.
He played for Belgium at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
His middle name, Ganael, is of Breton origin.
“I had to leave Chelsea to play, to find my own path on the pitch.”
