A transfer fee reaching 150 million euros marked Eden Hazard’s 2019 move to Real Madrid, cementing his status as a premier talent in professional football. Across a sixteen-year career, the Belgian attacking midfielder and winger established himself through stints at Lille, Chelsea, and the national team, earning recognition for his dribbling and creative playmaking abilities.
Early Development and Lille
Born on 7 January 1991 in La Louvière, Hazard grew up in Braine-le-Comte. He joined the Lille academy in 2005. By 2007, he signed a three-year professional contract at age 16. Under manager Rudi Garcia, he became the first non-French winner of the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. His 2010–11 season included a league and cup double, securing him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year title as the youngest recipient in history.
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In June 2012, Hazard moved to English club Chelsea, where he made 194 appearances and scored 50 goals. His trophy haul in London included two Premier League titles, two UEFA Europa League victories, and an FA Cup. He received individual acclaim including the 2015 PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards, while being named to the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 in 2018.
International Career and Retirement
Hazard debuted for Belgium in November 2008 at age 17. He earned over 126 caps and captained the national side from 2015 to 2022. He led the squad to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, earning the Silver Ball. After departing Real Madrid in June 2023 following a period marked by injury and limited appearances, he retired from professional football four months later.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 January 1991, La Louvière
- Citizenship: Belgium
- Primary Positions: Left winger, attacking midfielder
- Club Career Start: Lille, 2007
- Notable Award: PFA Players' Player of the Year (2015)
- Senior International Debut: November 2008
- Retirement: October 2023
Questions readers ask
Which clubs did Eden Hazard play for during his professional career?
He played for Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
What was Eden Hazard's highest achievement with the Belgium national team?
He captained Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Achievements
- PFA Players' Player of the Year
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
