Eden Hazard, at the age of 32, has officially announced his retirement from football.
The former Chelsea winger had been without a club since his release by Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer, amassing just 76 appearances over four seasons with the club.
Following his departure from Real Madrid, Hazard struggled to secure a new club and has now made the decision to hang up his boots for good.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star confirmed his retirement from the game:
“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to conclude my career as a professional footballer. I’ve been fortunate to realize my dream, enjoying the game on pitches around the world. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with great managers, coaches, and teammates. I’m thankful to all for these incredible times, and I’ll miss you all.
I’d like to express my gratitude to the clubs I’ve represented: LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, as well as the RBFA for my Belgian Selection. A special thank you to my family, friends, advisors, and those who stood by me in both good and challenging times.
Finally, a massive thank you to my fans who have followed me throughout the years and supported me in every place I’ve played. It’s now time to enjoy moments with my loved ones and explore new experiences. See you soon off the field, my friends.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Hazard achieved significant success. He won the Premier League twice and received the PFA Player of the Year award during his time at Chelsea. At Real Madrid, he secured two La Liga titles and the prestigious Champions League trophy.
Nonetheless, the Belgian winger encountered a series of injuries during his stint in the Spanish capital, causing him to miss 95 games for both club and country during that period.
During his tenure at Chelsea, Hazard contributed 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for the Blues. His time with the club also saw him capture two Europa League titles, one FA Cup, and one League Cup. Individually, he received accolades such as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season during the 2014–15 campaign. He was also named the Chelsea Player of the Year four times in recognition of his exceptional performances on the wing.
At Real Madrid, Hazard claimed six titles, including the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
