Eden Hazard retires: How former Real Madrid & Chelsea forward got stuck in ‘miserable loop’

Eden Hazard’s Retirement: A Tale of Unfulfilled Promise and Resilience

Four years ago, Eden Hazard was on top of the world. After seven glorious seasons with Chelsea, where he claimed two Premier League titles and earned the 2014-15 player of the season award, he made a dream move to Real Madrid for a staggering £89 million. The expectations were immense, as Hazard arrived to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus and Gareth Bale’s fall from favor with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

Hazard, with 110 goals and 75 assists for Chelsea, had proven his ability to dazzle consistently at the highest level. At 28 years old, he was theoretically in his prime, and his transfer to Madrid was supposed to mark the pinnacle of his career, filled with goals, assists, and a cabinet full of trophies.

But the script didn’t unfold as anticipated. The first red flags appeared when Hazard arrived in Madrid seemingly out of shape, fueling rumors that he may have celebrated his transfer a bit too extravagantly. Then, a hamstring injury kept him sidelined at the beginning of the season.

However, he gradually found his stride, scoring his first goal for Real Madrid in October 2019 and showing signs of a promising partnership with Karim Benzema. Just as he was hitting top form, an unfortunate tackle by PSG’s Thomas Meunier during a Champions League match in November 2019 damaged his right ankle, sidelining him for nearly three months. And then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, delaying his return to action and hampering his adaptation to the new environment.

After the pandemic hiatus, Hazard managed to stay fit for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, contributing to Real’s La Liga triumph. But his form was inconsistent, and the rise of talented young Brazilian wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo reduced his status as a guaranteed starter. For the next three years, Hazard found himself trapped in a frustrating loop – glimpses of brilliance, injuries, and the cycle repeated.

By the 2021-22 season, Hazard had become an afterthought in Real Madrid’s triumphant La Liga and Champions League double. He barely played, starting only eight games and recording no goals and just one assist.

His final season at Real Madrid was even more forgettable, with just 395 minutes of playing time. When he left the club at the end of the season, there was no fanfare, no controversy, just a collective acknowledgment that it hadn’t worked out.

Hazard’s statistics during his four seasons in Spain were grim: 76 appearances (32 as a substitute), seven goals, and nine assists. He started only two Champions League knockout stage games and never played a single minute in a Clasico against Barcelona.

But it’s crucial not to label Hazard’s time in Spain as a failure without considering the nuances. He was never the same player after that fateful tackle by Meunier. He had to grapple with the challenges of COVID confinement soon after moving to a new country. The constant battle with injuries surely took its toll on his confidence and motivation.

Hazard’s career is best remembered for his extraordinary moments at Chelsea, where he was a key player and a fan favorite. He was a player who could rival the best in the world during his prime. His performances in the Premier League, including multiple appearances in the PFA Premier League team of the season, were marked by his electrifying dribbling and creative passing.

Hazard’s international career with Belgium was also remarkable, as he ranks fourth in all-time appearances and second in goalscoring. He captained his country during a period of unprecedented success, but they fell short of winning major tournaments despite their immense talent.

In the end, Eden Hazard’s career is a reminder that success in sports is rarely a straightforward journey. It’s filled with highs and lows, injuries and setbacks, and moments of brilliance. While his time at Real Madrid might not have lived up to the expectations, it doesn’t diminish the fantastic player and charismatic personality he was during his prime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eden Hazard’s Career

More about Eden Hazard’s Career

• Eden Hazard’s Profile – Chelsea FC’s official profile of Eden Hazard.
• Real Madrid Official Website – For official information on Eden Hazard’s time at Real Madrid.
• Belgium National Team – For details on Eden Hazard’s international career with Belgium.
• PFA Premier League Team of the Season – Information on Hazard’s multiple appearances in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season.
• Eden Hazard’s Impact at Chelsea – A BBC Sport article highlighting Hazard’s contributions to Chelsea.
• Eden Hazard’s International Success – The Guardian’s take on Eden Hazard’s role in Belgium’s national team.