Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Sep 8: Chelsea legends Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are among 15 football greats shortlisted for induction into the 2025 Premier League Hall of Fame, raising the prospect of two more Stamford Bridge icons joining the league’s most exclusive club.
Launched in 2021, the Hall of Fame recognises the most outstanding players in Premier League history. It currently includes 24 inductees, with five former Chelsea stars already honoured — Petr Cech, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, and John Terry, the last two joining in 2024.
Hazard’s seven-season spell with Chelsea made him a fan favourite, renowned for his match-winning flair, breathtaking dribbles, and game-changing goals. The Belgian winger was crowned Premier League Player of the Year in 2014–15 and helped Chelsea lift two league titles. He remains the only player of his era in the league to surpass both 50 goals and 50 assists, solidifying his legacy as one of the competition’s most thrilling talents.
Fabregas, who joined Chelsea in 2014 after stints at Arsenal and Barcelona, proved instrumental in the club’s title wins in 2015 and 2017. Known for his sublime passing and tactical intelligence, the Spanish midfielder racked up 111 Premier League assists — second only to Ryan Giggs — and remains the only player to notch 15 or more assists in a season with two different clubs.
The 2025 shortlist features fierce competition, with other nominees including Sol Campbell, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Patrice Evra, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Gary Neville, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham, David Silva, Yaya Touré, Edwin van der Sar, and Nemanja Vidic. Together, the nominees boast over 5,000 appearances, 1,000 goals, and 44 league titles.
Only two players will be selected for induction this year, with the winners to be announced during a special ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The Premier League describes the Hall of Fame as its highest individual honour — a celebration of those who have left a lasting legacy on English football’s top flight.