Although he won multiple trophies, including two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Trophy, he was unable to reproduce the brilliance that had defined his years in France and England. After four difficult seasons and limited playing time, Hazard left Real Madrid in 2023. Despite collecting major medals, injuries ultimately prevented him from making the impact many had anticipated when he arrived in Spain.
Belgium National Team Career
Hazard’s international career with Belgium was equally significant. He made his senior debut at just 17 years old in 2008 and quickly became one of the faces of Belgium’s so called Golden Generation. Alongside stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois, he helped transform Belgium into one of the strongest national teams in the world.
He represented Belgium at the 2014 World Tournament, the 2016 Euro, the 2018 World Tournament, the 2020 Euro, and the 2022 World Tournament. The highlight came in Russia in 2018, when Hazard captained Belgium to third place, the best finish in the nation’s history. His performances earned him the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second best player behind runners up Croatia’s Luka Modrić. During his years as captain, Belgium also spent an extended period at the top of the World Rankings, a clear indicator of the team’s remarkable consistency.
Following Belgium’s disappointing group stage exit at the 2022 cup, Hazard announced his retirement from international football. He finished with 126 caps and 33 goals for his country, ranking among Belgium’s greatest ever players. Less than a year later, in October 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football altogether.
He ended his career after more than 700 professional appearances across club and international football. While his final years were overshadowed by injuries, his legacy remains secure. At his best, Hazard was one of the most electrifying players of his generation, capable of deciding matches with a single dribble, pass, or moment of inspiration. From a teenage prodigy who dazzled in Lille to the superstar who lit up the Premier League and led Belgium’s golden era, his career remains one of the most memorable stories in modern football.
Edin Hazard FAQs, Trivia, and Facts
Who is Eden Hazard married to?
Eden Hazard has been married to Natacha Van Honacker since 2012. The couple met as teenagers in Belgium and remained together throughout his rise to international fame. They are known for keeping their relationship relatively private despite Hazard’s celebrity status.
How many children does Eden Hazard have?
Hazard is the father of five sons: Yannis (2010), Leo (2013), Samy (2015), Santi (2019), and Ivan (2022). Since retiring, he has joked that his main role is now driving his kids to school, training sessions, and various activities, describing himself as more of a family chauffeur these days.
What does Hazard enjoy most about retirement?
One of the biggest surprises about Hazard is how much he enjoys retirement. He has openly stated that he does not miss professional football and appreciates having more freedom, less pressure, and more time to spend with his family.
Why did Hazard stay in Madrid after retiring?
Hazard chose to remain in Madrid largely because his family was happy there. He enjoys the city’s lifestyle, Spain’s climate, and culture, making it an ideal place for his post football life.
What are his hobbies outside football?
Away from football, Hazard enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing, traveling, and indulging in good food. He has often portrayed himself as someone who values enjoying life rather than maintaining a strict athletic lifestyle after retirement.
Is Hazard involved in any business ventures?
One of the notable projects associated with Hazard after retirement is his involvement in a wine venture alongside other former footballers. It represents one of his more public business interests outside the sport.
How does Hazard want to be remembered?
Hazard has said that he simply wants to be remembered as a great player who entertained people and enjoyed the game. He has never seemed overly concerned with records, statistics, a plethora of trophies, or building a grand legacy.
Is he interested in helping young players?
Hazard has expressed interest in mentoring and encouraging young footballers, particularly emphasizing the importance of enjoying the sport rather than focusing solely on pressure, fame, or success.
Eden Hazard comes from a football family.
All four Hazard brothers became footballers. Thorgan played for RC Lens, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and the Belgian national team. Kylian played in Belgium and Hungary, including spells with White Star Bruxelles, Cercle Brugge, Újpest FC, and RWDM47. Ethan came through the youth systems of Tubize and R. Union Saint-Gilloise before joining youth teams at RSC Anderlecht.
Their father, Thierry, was a midfielder in Belgium’s lower divisions, most notably for R.A.A. Louviéroise. Their mother, Carine, was also a footballer. She played as a striker in the Belgian women’s football leagues. A notable family achievement is that Eden and Thorgan both represented the Belgian national team and played together at major international tournaments, including the 2018 World Tournament, where they won bronze.
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