Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old revealed his retirement from football on social media on Tuesday.
Eden Hazard has been a free agent since parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of the 22/23 season. Hazard and Real Madrid had reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with the club at the end of last season.
Eden Hazard had announced retirement from international football in December last year following Belgium’s group-stage exit from FIFA World Cup 2022. Belgium had failed to progress beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022 after finishing third, behind Morocco and Croatia, in Group F.
Speculations that Eden Hazard might announce his retirement from professional football intensified when he seemingly dropped a hint in a documentary about the Belgian national football team.
Ex-Real Madrid Star Eden Hazard Retires From Football
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“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 has played for LOSC Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, wrote on Instagram, announcing his retirement.
“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.
“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.
“I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.
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“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.
“Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”
Eden Hazard began his professional career at Lille. Hazard then signed for Chelsea in 2012. During his spell at Chelsea, Hazard established himself as one of the best footballers in the world.
Real Madrid signed Eden Hazard for £89m in 2019. But the Belgian’s stint at the club was marred by injuries. He featured in 76 games and scored just seven goals during his time at Real Madrid. Hazard left Real Madrid in 2023 after he and the club terminated his contract by mutual agreement.
