Eden Hazard, the former Chelsea icon and Belgian national team star, has recently given insights into his life post-retirement from football, which he describes as currently “ideal.” While he clearly enjoys his current situation, he has not ruled out the possibility of making a comeback to the sport in the future.
Hazard’s most glorious period as a footballer was undoubtedly during his seven-year tenure at Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge, he achieved remarkable success, clinching two Premier League titles and triumphs in the FA Cup and League Cup. His individual brilliance was also recognized when he was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2015, following his previous accolade as the PFA Young Player of the Year a year earlier.
In a high-profile move, Hazard left Chelsea in 2019 to join Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer. However, his time in the Spanish capital did not go as planned. Frequent injuries and fitness concerns severely limited his La Liga appearances, and his role in the 2022/23 season was notably minor.
Hazard’s impressive goal-scoring record at Chelsea, which included 110 goals, with nearly half of those coming in his final three seasons with the Blues, stands in stark contrast to his time in Spain. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he managed to score just seven goals, mostly while playing a bit-part role in the team.
When Hazard’s contract with Real Madrid expired in the summer, he had the opportunity to sign with a new club. However, somewhat surprisingly, he chose to forego this chance, despite receiving multiple offers. His official retirement, at the relatively young age of 32, was formally announced in October.
At the recent Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony, Hazard presented the Kopa Trophy and was interviewed by the event’s host, Didier Drogba, about his retirement and future aspirations. During this candid conversation, Hazard revealed his deep contentment with his current family life and his pursuit of various interests outside of football. Remarkably, he emphasized that he does not miss playing football at this stage. Yet, intriguingly, he did not entirely close the door on the possibility of a return to the sport, suggesting that time would ultimately decide.
Hazard’s happiness with his retirement decision became evident as he expressed his genuine satisfaction with his life’s current state. He particularly emphasized his lack of enjoyment in training and playing football during his final years as a professional. Although he no longer plays, his continued interest in watching football on television was evident, as was his involvement in various other activities beyond the football field.
It’s also important to mention Hazard’s significant role on the international stage, notably in helping Belgium secure a commendable third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. During the tournament, Belgium came tantalizingly close to reaching the finals, narrowly losing to France in the semi-finals, only to bounce back with a victory over England in the third-place play-off, a match in which Hazard himself contributed with a crucial goal.
