Eden Hazard has been knighted for leading Belgium to World Cup success – by the Walloons.
The Chelsea talisman, 27, has made club and national opponents look like wallies for many years.
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And Hazard has now received a top award for captaining his country to a best-ever finish at the World Cup in Russia.
The government of Wallonia, the French-speaking southern half of Belgium, has made him a Commander of the Walloon Order of Merit.
Hazard’s honour is the equivalent of a UK knighthood.
The government said: “We elevate Eden Hazard to the rank of Commander of the Order of Merit for the pride he has given all Belgians, and for his world-famous abilities as a footballer.
“He wore the Belgium colours at this summer’s World Cup, and as Red Devils captain he demonstrated the squad’s strength, spirit and fair play.
“He scored three goals in Russia. The first player in the fans’ hearts, he will long remain the image of our national team.”
Born at La Louviere, Hazard began his career with Belgian clubs Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize before joining French side Lille in 2005.
Chelsea paid £32million for the midfielder in 2012. He has since won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup with the Blues.
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