That news of Eden Hazard's retirement at the age of just 32 has sparked tributes from some of the greats in the game - both past and present - comes as no surprise.
His playing days came to a close not with a bang, but with a whimper at Real Madrid, where he never managed to find his footing, but even long spells on the sidelines and subdued scattered appearances for Los Blancos are unlikely to overwrite a glittering career.
The former Belgium captain's legacy at Lille and Chelsea will take some beating.