Eden Hazard, the Belgian football sensation, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. Hazard achieved remarkable success throughout his illustrious career and collected an impressive array of trophies and titles. From his early days at Lille to his stints at Chelsea and Real Madrid, Hazard's impact on the football world was profound.
Hazard's journey to football greatness began at LOSC Lille in 2005, where he honed his skills in the youth academy. He made his professional debut for Lille in 2007 and quickly became one of the most exciting talents in French football.
During his time at Lille, he contributed significantly to the club's success, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title during the 2010-2011 season.
Eden Hazard's move to Chelsea in 2012 for a whopping £32 million was highly anticipated. His arrival at Stamford Bridge marked the beginning of a new era for the Blues. His impact on Chelsea was immediately visible as he dazzled the crowd with his dribbling skills, creativity, and goal-scoring ability.
Hazard won several trophies throughout his Chelsea career, including two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and two UEFA Europa League titles. His outstanding performances in the Premier League earned him numerous accolades, including two PFA Young Player of the Year awards and the PFA Player of the Year in the 2014-2015 season.
One of the most memorable moments in Hazard's Chelsea career came in the 2018 FA Cup final when he scored the winning goal against Manchester United. His time at Chelsea solidified his status as one of the club's greatest-ever players, with 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances across all competitions.
2019 Hazard realized his childhood dream when he secured a blockbuster £130 million move to Real Madrid, where he joined forces with the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
However, his time at the Bernabeu was marred by persistent injuries, limiting his appearances for the club. Despite the challenges, Hazard contributed to Real Madrid's trophy cabinet, winning two La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
While his goal-scoring tally for Los Blancos may have been modest, Hazard's impact on the team and his ability to deliver crucial moments in big matches cannot be understated. His dazzling dribbles and power to unlock defences made him a vital asset for Real Madrid during his tenure.
On the international stage, Eden Hazard was a key figure in Belgium's "Golden Generation" of footballers. He debuted for the national team at 17 and went on to captain the Red Devils for seven years, from 2015 to 2022.
Hazard scored 33 goals in 126 senior caps for Belgium, featuring prominently in five major tournaments. His leadership and skill were instrumental in Belgium's impressive global performance.
However, after Belgium's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Hazard made the difficult decision to retire from international football. Despite his retirement, his legacy as one of Belgium's all-time greats and one of the most talented footballers of his generation remains intact.
As Eden Hazard retires from professional football, he leaves an impressive legacy of spectacular dribbles, unforgettable goals, and a remarkable trophy collection many could only dream of.
His impact on the clubs he represented, especially Chelsea and Real Madrid, will be remembered for generations to come. Although injuries may have hindered his later years, Hazard's contribution to the beautiful game and his ability to illuminate stadiums with his skills will always be treasured by football fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Eden Hazard's retirement marks the end of an era in football. His remarkable career was adorned with numerous trophies and titles, cementing his place among the footballing legends. Hazard's journey from Lille to Chelsea and Real Madrid was a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. Football fans will forever remember the magic he brought to the pitch and the joy he provided with his extraordinary skills as he embarks on a new chapter in life.