Former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 32-year-old, who joined Los Angeles from Chelsea in 2019 for a whopping £130 million, including bonuses, played just 76 matches for Real across four seasons, struggling with numerous injuries and fitness issues.
Hazard announced the news of his retirement on his official social media platform on Tuesday, bringing an end to a professional career that spanned about 16 years, having begun his senior career in France with Lille.
The post read: “You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wrote on Instagram.
“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
“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 team-mates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.”
“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.”
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The former Chelsea No. 10 won his first career title with Lille in 2010–11, along with the Coupe de France title. In England, he won two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, along with one FA Cup, a League Cup, and two UEFA Europa League titles. At the Santiago Bernabeu, he won two La Liga trophies: one Copa Del Rey, the Supercopa de Espana, the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Hazard, who made his international debut for Belgium in 2008, went on to captain what was termed the “Golden Generation” for the Red Devils, leading them to two UEFA Euro tournaments (2016 and 2020) and three FIFA World Cup competitions (2014, 2018, and 2022).
He retires with about 200 career goals and over 160 assists for both club and country, along with numerous individual awards, including the Premier League Player of the Season honor and the FIFA World Cup Silver Ball.
