Chelsea and Real Madrid former player Eden Hazard has retired from professional football at 32 after 16 years and over 700 games.
He made this known via his official Instagram account today.
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 realize 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.”
The Belgian’s seven-year spell at Chelsea lives on in the memory of every football lover across the globe.
Eden Hazard signed for Chelsea in 2012 from Lille after making over 190 appearances and scoring 50 goals for the French side.
He briefly posted on August 28th, 2012, on his X (formerly Twitter), “I am signing for the Champions League Winner”.
History and records have since followed. He established himself as a “Legend” at Chelsea in his seven-year spell before moving to Real Madrid in 2019.
Ever since, his career has been birthed with injuries, and his spell at Real Madrid wasn’t as expected.
However, Eden Hazard remains one of the best to ever step on the green field.
During his time at Chelsea, he made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals and 92 assists.
Eden Hazard also won two Premier League, one FA Cup, and two UEFA Europa League trophies, Chelsea Player of the Year 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year 2015, 2019 Chelsea Goal of the Season: 2015/16 (vs. Tottenham), 2016/17 (vs. Arsenal), 2018/19 (vs. Liverpool), PFA Players’ Player of the Year 2015 Premier League Player of the Season 2015
He was also the FWA Footballer of the Year 2015, PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, PFA Young Player of the Year 2014, Belgium Player of the Year 2017, Best Belgian Playing Abroad 2017
His last game for Real Madrid went without him being subbed on, but his teammates at Real Madrid made sure they celebrated him, knowing fully well he’s leaving the club in summer 2023.