Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard was once regarded as one of the best Football players in the world, dazzling fans with his creativity, dribbling, passing and vision. He won numerous trophies and awards with Chelsea and Belgium, and earned a dream move to Real Madrid in 2019. However, his career took a downward turn after he joined the Spanish giants, as he struggled with injuries, fitness and form. He eventually left Real Madrid in 2023 and retired from professional football shortly after. What went wrong for the Belgian wizard? How will he be remembered by the football world?
Hazard’s Early Career
Hazard was born on January 7, 1991, in La Louvière, Belgium, to former footballers Thierry and Carine Hazard. He started playing football at the age of four, joining his hometown club Royal Stade Brainois. He showed exceptional talent from a young age and was scouted by Lille OSC when he was 13. He moved to France to join Lille’s youth academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2007, at the age of 16.
Hazard quickly became an integral part of Lille’s team, playing as a winger or an attacking midfielder. He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in the 2010–11 season and was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, the youngest player to win the award. He scored 50 goals and provided 53 assists in 194 appearances for Lille, attracting interest from several top European clubs.
Hazard’s Glory Days at Chelsea
In June 2012, Hazard signed for Chelsea for a reported fee of €35 million. He made an immediate impact in his first season, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Europa League and finishing third in the Premier League. He also won the PFA Young Player of the Year award and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Hazard continued to impress in his second season, scoring 17 goals and assisting 10 in all competitions. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s success in the 2014–15 season, as they won the Premier League and the Football League Cup. He also won several individual accolades, including the FWA Footballer of the Year, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season.
Hazard had a dip in form in the 2015–16 season, as Chelsea finished tenth in the league. However, he bounced back in the 2016–17 season, scoring 16 goals and assisting nine as Chelsea won their second Premier League title in three years. He also scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester United in 2018.
Hazard’s final season at Chelsea was arguably his best, as he scored 21 goals and assisted 17 in all competitions. He led Chelsea to win the Europa League again, scoring twice in the final against Arsenal. He also finished second in the Premier League assists chart behind Christian Eriksen and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the fourth time.
Hazard’s total record for Chelsea was impressive: he scored 110 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 appearances for the club. He won six trophies with Chelsea: two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one Football League Cup. He also won several individual awards, including two PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards, one FWA Footballer of the Year award, one Premier League Player of the Season award, four PFA Team of the Year selections, and one FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World XI selection.
Hazard’s Dream Move to Real Madrid
In June 2019, Hazard fulfilled his long-standing ambition to join Real Madrid, signing a five-year contract for a fee that could rise to €150 million. He was given the number seven shirt previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his dream moves soon turned into a nightmare.
Hazard suffered a series of injuries that hampered his debut season at Real Madrid. He missed several games due to ankle problems, hamstring issues and a fractured foot. He only managed to score one goal and assist five in 22 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions. He also faced criticism for his lack of fitness and impact on the pitch.
Hazard’s second season at Real Madrid was even worse, as he missed more games due to muscle injuries, ankle problems and COVID-19 infection. He only scored four goals and assisted three in 21 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions. He also faced controversy for laughing with his former Chelsea teammates after Real Madrid were eliminated by Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.
Hazard’s third season at Real Madrid was no better, as he continued to struggle with injuries and form. He only scored two goals and assisted two in 14 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions. He also faced backlash for his poor performance and attitude on the pitch.
Hazard’s contract with Real Madrid was terminated by mutual consent on July 1, 2023, after he failed to live up to the expectations of the club and the fans. He left Real Madrid having scored only seven goals and assisted 10 in 76 appearances for the club. He won three trophies with Real Madrid: one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.
Hazard’s Retirement from Football
Hazard announced his retirement from professional football on October 10, 2023, at the age of 32. He cited his recurring injuries and lack of motivation as the main reasons for his decision. He also thanked his former clubs, teammates, coaches and fans for their support throughout his career.
Hazard’s retirement came as a shock to many football fans, who had hoped to see him regain his form and fitness. Many football pundits and experts expressed their admiration and respect for Hazard and praised him for his achievements and contributions to the game.
Hazard’s Legacy
Hazard will be remembered as one of the best players of his generation, and one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players. He will also be remembered as a legend at Chelsea, where he spent seven successful seasons and became one of the club’s all-time top scorers and assist providers. He will also be remembered as a key player for Belgium, where he captained his country to third place at the 2018 World Cup, receiving the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament.
However, Hazard will also be remembered as a player who failed to fulfill his potential at Real Madrid, where he endured a frustrating and disappointing spell. He will also be remembered as a player who struggled with injuries, fitness and form in the latter stages of his career.
Hazard’s career was a tale of two halves: a rise and a fall. He rose to stardom at Chelsea and Belgium, where he showcased his brilliance and flair. He fell from grace at Real Madrid, where he suffered from bad luck and poor performance. He retired from football as a player who had achieved a lot but could have achieved more.
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