Eden Hazard, one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 32. The Belgian winger spent his prime years at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, and the FA Cup. He then moved to Real Madrid in 2019, but his time in Spain was hampered by injuries. Hazard announced his retirement on October 10, 2023, in a statement on social media.
In his statement, Hazard said that he had decided to retire in order to focus on his family and to pursue new experiences. He also thanked the fans and clubs that he had played for throughout his career.
Hazard’s rise to prominence
Hazard was born in La Louvière, Belgium, on January 7, 1991. He began playing football at a young age and joined the youth academy of local club LOSC Lille at the age of 14. He made his professional debut for Lille in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
In 2012, Hazard was signed by Chelsea for a club-record fee of £32 million. He quickly became a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, thanks to his dazzling skills, creativity, and eye for goal. In his first season at Chelsea, Hazard helped the club win the Europa League. He then went on to win the Premier League title in 2015 and 2017.
Hazard’s move to Real Madrid
In 2019, Hazard joined Real Madrid for a club-record fee of £89 million. He was expected to be the star man for the Spanish giants, but his time at the Bernabéu was blighted by injuries. Hazard made just 73 appearances in four seasons at Real Madrid, scoring six goals.
Hazard’s international career
Hazard also had a successful international career with Belgium. He made his debut for the Red Devils in 2008 and went on to make 126 appearances, scoring 33 goals. Hazard helped Belgium reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2020 European Championship.
Hazard’s legacy
Despite his early retirement, Hazard will be remembered as one of the most talented footballers of his generation. He was a gifted dribbler with excellent vision and passing ability. He was also a prolific goalscorer, scoring over 100 goals in his career.
Hazard’s retirement is a loss to the sport of football. He was a fan favorite and an inspiration to many young players. He will be remembered for his brilliance on the pitch and his humble personality off the pitch.
Hazard’s early years
Eden Hazard was born in La Louvière, Belgium, on January 7, 1991. He began playing football at a young age and joined the youth academy of local club LOSC Lille at the age of 14. He made his professional debut for Lille in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
Hazard was a gifted dribbler with excellent vision and passing ability. He was also a prolific goalscorer, scoring over 100 goals in his career.
Hazard’s rise to prominence at Chelsea
In 2012, Hazard was signed by Chelsea for a club-record fee of £32 million. He quickly became a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, thanks to his dazzling skills, creativity, and eye for goal.
In his first season at Chelsea, Hazard helped the club win the Europa League. He then went on to win the Premier League title in 2015 and 2017.
Hazard was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015. He was also named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2015.