Eden Hazard retires from football, putting an end to am illustrious but injury plagued 16-year career, marked by great success at club level.
Part of the Belgium national team’s ‘Golden Generation,’ the 32-year-old Hazard announced his retirement from all soccer on Tuesday after more than 700 matches and two Premier League titles during his time with English giants Chelsea.
Before injuries slowed him down, Hazard was often unstoppable on the field with his quick pace, creativity and super dribbling skills and widely considered one of the best players of his generation.
Hazard had already retired from international football after Belgium was knocked out at the group stage in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
‘You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,’ said Hazard, who had been without a club since his contract with Real Madrid expired in June.
‘I was able to realize my dream. I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.’
Hazard won eight trophies with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and two Spanish League titles, but his time in Spain was marred by injuries including a fracture in his right foot during his first season and coincided with his decline.
After starting his professional career with French club Lille, where he won the league and cup double, Hazard moved to Stamford Bridge in 2012. He spent seven seasons with Chelsea, becoming a fans’ favorite with his 110 goals in 352 games.
In addition to the two Premier League titles, he also helped Chelsea win the Europa League twice, and the FA Cup and League Cup once.
At international level, Hazard made his debut with the national team in 2008 at the age of 17. He made 126 appearances and scored 33 goals.
Part of the generation of Belgian players who were tipped to win a major title, Hazard and his teammates made it to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, but a win remained elusive for him.