Hazard returns for Lens with crucial assist and winning goal

On Saturday, Thorgan Hazard, the 33‑year‑old Belgian, returned to the spotlight for RC Lens with an assist and a goal against Paris FC, securing a 2‑1 victory. After months of little success, the contribution came at a crucial moment for the striker.

Hazard went down in the 61st minute and two minutes later provided an equaliser to Florian Thauvin. Twenty minutes later he himself scored the winning goal. The assist and the goal turned a deficit around and led Lens to victory.

The goal was his first since early April, when he still scored for Anderlecht against Club Brugge. For the striker this felt like a first real breakthrough since his return to the club where he was active as a youth player. This contribution confirmed his ability to make a difference in crucial moments.

Return and previous form

Hazard returned to Lens on a free transfer last summer, after completing a decent season with Anderlecht with thirteen goals and eight assists in thirty‑six league matches. Expectations were therefore high, but the start in France was disappointing. At his previous club he had built a solid reputation, which put the transition to the French league under extra scrutiny.

After a suspension for the first two matches he was given a particularly difficult starting position against Lorient. He was hauled off the pitch under a roar from the crowd and could not find his best level in the subsequent appearances, causing him eventually to drop out of the regular rotation. The combination of limited playing time and public criticism hampered his recovery.

Sporting and private issues

A serious knee injury in April 2024 had affected his explosiveness, and the move from the Belgian league to Ligue 1 required a new adjustment. Within the club he was also warned about his lack of match rhythm. Nevertheless the technical staff continued to have confidence in his long‑term potential.

In parallel, Hazard went through a difficult period in his private life. He and the mother of his four daughters separated last summer and he had to find a new home before settling in Lille. The search for a home was arduous, but he eventually found an apartment in the city centre.

Hazard says he is now taking revenge in France and speaks bluntly, but he admits that it is unclear how heavily the personal events have weighed. It is clear that in a short time he was confronted with major changes both professionally and privately. His recent performances can therefore be seen as a first step towards stability.