FOOTBALL
Posted on February 9, 2026 7:00 pm | Updated on February 9, 2026 6:15 pm
The ex-Chelsea player Gael Kakuta, once hailed as brightest teammate by Eden Hazard, has now seen his journey take another painful turn.
Massive Praise From Eden Hazard Revealed During Podcast
Back in 2024, Eden Hazard came on John Obi-Mikel’s podcast. He opened up about the finest talents he had ever shared a pitch with. The conversation drifted toward youth football in France, and one name lit up the room. The Belgian did not hesitate when speaking about Gael Kakuta.
Hazard said: “The one player who made me say ‘wow’ when playing youth football in France was Gael Kakuta.
“On talent, by far, Kakuta was number one, by far. In young football, me being me, we (Lille) used to win every game 4-0, 5-0, and I would be the best player every time. But whenever we played against Lens, we would lose, and he (Kakuta) would be the best by far. He was incredible.”
Those words carried weight. Hazard was not just any teammate, he was one of **Chelsea**’s greatest modern stars. For him to single out Kakuta above everyone else says everything about the ability the French player possessed.
When Kakuta arrived at Chelsea from RC Lens in 2007, there was real buzz around Cobham. Coaches and academy staff believed they are seeing something special. He even picked up the Academy Player of the Year award as well. That was a sign that his rise looked certain. However, football can be cruel as talent alone rarely guarantees success.
🇨🇩✨ Gael Kakuta (34) with a top performance for DR Congo at AFCON! 💎
Eden Hazard previously said Gael Kakuta is one of the most talented players he's ever played with and is also one of the greatest dribblers. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/pnJF2GM4yP
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 30, 2025
Chelsea Promise Fades After Loan Moves
Chelsea had high hopes, but the path to the first team proved far tougher than expected. Kakuta spent time on loan at Fulham, Bolton and Lazio as the club tried to shape his development. Each move was meant to give him rhythm and confidence.
Although, he never managed to cement a lasting role at Stamford Bridge. By the time he left permanently in 2015 for Sevilla, his Premier League story felt unfinished. He made just 16 senior appearances. In those games, he score zero goals. It felt like a story that promised plenty of magic but delivered frustration.
It was not a lack of skill, the problem was consistency and finding the right fit. During his time, managers changed, systems shifted and competition was fierce. For a young player trying to break through at a club chasing titles every season, margins were tight.
After leaving England, Kakuta’s career became a journey across leagues and countries. He rarely stayed longer than two years at any club. There were flashes of quality, moments that hinted at the player Hazard once admired. But, the form never truly arrived. Each transfer felt like another attempt to rediscover what once made him stand out in youth football.
Contract Terminated Amid Fresh Setback
Now, the new setback has confirmed how far things have fallen. Kakuta joined Turkish second division side Sakaryaspor in February 2025 after leaving Esteghlal FC. It looked like a chance to rebuild quietly and find consistency again.
However, the club has chosen to terminate his contract midway through the 2025/26 season by mutual consent. For a player once described as the most talented on the pitch, this is a harsh reality. He is now searching for the 15th club of his professional career. That number tells its own story. Movement can bring opportunity, but too much of it often signals instability.
Meanwhile, Kakuta has experienced international football and top academies. But, the promise that once got such huge praise has never fully converted into a successful club career.
Football does not always reward early promise. Some players peak young, others need the right environment at the right time. Without it, even the brightest talents can fall apart.
It serves as a reminder that potential and achievement are two very different things. For Kakuta, the story is not officially over. There is still time to respond and to prove that the spark remains. But, as things stand, the player once labelled number one for pure talent faces one of the lowest points of his career.
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