EDEN Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.
Here is everything you need to know about the Real Madrid star.
Who is Eden Hazard?
Eden Michael Walter Hazard was born on January 7, 1991.
He was born in the Belgium province of Hainaut located in the Walloon region, but spent only his early childhood in the town of La Louvière.
Hazard is the eldest of four children and has three brothers, all of whom play football.
He began his football career at four years old, playing for his hometown club Royal Stade Brainois.
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He spent eight years at the club before moving to AFC Tubize.
While at Tubize, he was spotted by a Lille which promoted club officials to offer him an aspirant contract.
Hazard's parents accepted the offer from the club and he joined in 2005.
In May 2007, he signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal with Lille.
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When did Eden Hazard retire?
On October 10, 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from football.
In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star confirmed his decision to retire from the game for good.
He wrote: "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.
"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.
"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."
Hazard joined Real Madrid in 2019 with a deal worth a club-record £130m including bonuses.
He initially signed a five-year deal until 2024. but his time with the club was beset by injuries and poor form.
As a result, they terminated his contract a year ahead of schedule in the summer.
Various clubs were reportedly interested in Hazard on a free transfer, but he ultimately decided to call it time on his football career at the age of just 32.
How many major trophies did Eden Hazard win?
During his time with Chelsea, Hazard won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Among the trophies won at Real Madrid are two LaLiga titles, one Champions League and one Copa Del Rey.
What is Eden Hazard's net worth?
Hazard has a net worth of £55 million.
He was named on the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List.
The annual report into the wealthiest people across the country named Charlie Morgan joint-27th on its Under-35s list.
Who is Eden Hazard's wife Natacha Van Honacker?
Natacha Van Honacker was born and raised in Belgium in 1992.
She is believed to have met Hazard when he was 14 – around the same time he began playing football at a high level.
Not much is known about her as she tends to stay out of the spotlight.
When asked by the Belgian media if Hazard has a romantic streak, he replied: "I bring home flowers for my wife on a regular basis, but not every day."
The couple married in 2013, a year after Hazard joined Chelsea.
What is Eden Hazard's career stats?
Chelsea signed Hazard from Lille in 2012 for £32m.
He made 352 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals.
During his time at Real, he scored seven goals in 76 appearances, 10 of which came in all competitions in the 2022/23 season.
Does Eden Hazard have any children?
Hazard and Natacha have three sons named Leo, Sammy, and Yannis.
Asked if marrying and having children early had influenced his career, the footballer said: “Yes, for sure.
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“I’m lucky that I got married early and had kids. Sometimes when you play football and you are single you want to go out with friends and it’s not what you need.
“When you want to be one of the best players, you need a lot of rest. With my wife and family, I can stay at home and I think that is why I am one of the best.”
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