Eden Hazard Bids Farewell to Football at 32, Reflects on a Dream Realized Despite Injury Challenges
Eden Hazard thanks the supporters as captain for the Belgium national team // Getty Images
After an illustrious career adorned with remarkable skills, trophies, and admiration, Eden Hazard announced his departure from professional football at 32. The Belgian wizard's journey, although laden with achievements, was ultimately marred by a series of injuries, particularly during his tenure at Real Madrid.
Hazard's spell with the Spanish colossus Real Madrid began with a staggering £88.5m transfer from Chelsea in June 2019. However, the promise of a new chapter in sunny Spain was eclipsed by recurring fitness issues. Out of 76 appearances over four years at the Bernabéu, Hazard only managed to complete full-time play in six matches, a statistic that hadn't budged since December 2021. This persistent struggle catalyzed his decision to retire.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Hazard expressed, “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. Thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.”
Hazard's journey to stardom began in La Louvière, but it was at Lille in France where he truly caught the world's attention. His knack for game-changing plays soon caught the eyes of Europe's footballing elite. In 2012, a tug of war ensued between clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United for the then 21-year-old maestro. However, it was Chelsea's triumph in the Champions League that tipped the scales in their favor.
Reflecting on his decision to join Chelsea, Hazard once remarked, “Chelsea has the best project. The team is young and I have a better chance to play there. If I play well enough at Chelsea, I could win my place in the starting team. When they won the Champions League, I told myself: ‘Why not Chelsea?’”
His stint at Chelsea started promisingly, with notable early performances including an assist on his Premier League debut and a goal against Newcastle. Yet, not without controversy, most famously his red card incident for kicking a ballboy in frustration in 2013. Overcoming the setback, Hazard's following six years at Chelsea solidified his reputation as a modern legend. His agility, strength, and killer instinct contributed to a golden era for the club, highlighted by two Premier League titles, among other honors.
2019 ushered in another crossroads for Hazard. As Chelsea faced organizational shifts, a departure was imminent. Real Madrid, eager to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, saw Hazard as the ideal figure. Yet, the dream union stumbled, plagued by 18 separate injuries, raising questions about Hazard's off-field dedication. Nonetheless, his stint in Spain was decorated with six trophies, complementing his earlier successes at Lille.
Hazard's legacy, however, will forever be tinted in Chelsea blue, where he racked up 352 appearances and netted 110 goals, and in the fiery passion of Belgium, earning 126 caps and scoring 33 times, including leading his nation as captain in the recent World Cup.
In his retirement note, Hazard extended his gratitude: “A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors, and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad. Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played. Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”
Eden Hazard's retirement closes a chapter of football history marked by breathtaking flair, resilience, and an undeniable love for the game, a reminder that even amidst challenges, dreams can indeed be realized.