Eden Hazard has called time on his professional football career, as he has announced his retirement from the round leather game today, October 10, 2023.
Hazard confirmed his retirement from football via a lengthy statement shared on Instagram.
An excerpt from the statement reads: “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.”
Eden Hazard, who had been without a club since he left Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, also took time to appreciate those who contributed to his career.
Hazard wrote: “During my career I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches, and teammates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.”
The 32-year-old played for several clubs during his illustrious career, namely Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. He also sent out his appreciation to those clubs in his official statement.
He appreciated the national team of Belgium for their contributions to his illustrious career that spanned about 16 years.
Eden Hazard statement confirming his retirement from football
“I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.”
Eden Hazard also sent out his gratitude to his family, friends, close associates and fans:
“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.”
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on July 1, 2019, for a fee of €115 million, and he made 76 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions.
Despite arriving in Spain with much fanfare, he had a disastrous stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This was possibly due to the expectations placed on him by supporters of Real Madrid, and his seemingly lackadaisical attitude to football before retirement.
Hazard at Chelsea
Eden Hazard achieved stardom at Chelsea, producing magnificent performances that attracted global attention.
He made 352 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists across all competitions.
The 32-year-old won 2 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 EFL Cup, and 2 UEFA Europa Leagues at Chelsea.
Eden Hazard is considered to be one of the best players of his generation, and he was at a point dubbed the 3rd best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Hazard began his career at French club LOSC Lille, where he made 194 appearances, scoring 50 goals and providing 53 assists across all competitions.
The Belgian was known for his creativity, nifty footwork, passing, and ability to spot a run in quick time (vision).
Alongside his achievements at Chelsea, Hazard won several other trophies, including; 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, and 1 UEFA Super Cup at Real Madrid.
Individually, Eden Hazard also won several awards, including; 1 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season, 1 Premier League player of the season, 3 Belgium Player of the Year, and many others.
He made 622 club appearances throughout his career, scoring 167 goals and providing 157 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Hazard also led Belgium to the Bronze medal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The 32-year-old made 126 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 33 goals and providing 36 assists in the process.
