The story of Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid career and early retirement

To say that Eden Hazard had the world at his feet in 2019 is perhaps an overstatement considering he had already achieved so much, but the Belgian had perhaps never appeared so imperious when Real Madrid splurged a club-record fee to prise him away from Chelsea.

Maurizio Sarri’s Blues were often a drab, insipid watch that merely sparkled when their number ten received possession. 2018/19 was a magical campaign for Hazard, already a two-time Premier League winner and recognised as one of the world’s best, as he notched a whopping 31 goal contributions in the league to inspire Sarri’s sub-par outfit to a third-place finish.

Europa League glory also ensued of the back off Hazard’s thrilling majesty.

So, when Real Madrid came calling and splashed in excess of £100m to sign him, nobody batted an eyelid. This was Madrid merely doing what they do: acquiring the world’s best. However, instead of enhancing his legacy further and cementing himself as an icon in the Spanish capital, Hazard followed the trend of big-money arrivals.

Not only did it not work out for the Belgian at Madrid, but his time at the club was nothing short of a disaster.

Hazard’s spell at Madrid was doomed from the start. After arriving for pre-season in the summer of 2019 overweight, he then missed the start of the La Liga season with a thigh injury. That would set the tone for a miserable four years during which he was seemingly in a perpetual battle to stay fit.

However, there were glimmers of the Hazard everyone had grown to admire. There were early standout performances against Eibar and Real Sociedad before an innocuous challenge from compatriot Thomas Meunier in a mammoth Champions League group stage tie against Paris Saint-Germain damaged the Belgian’s ankle in a way which compromised his career completely.

The challenge wasn’t nasty, nor was the initial injury particularly bad, but ankle woes would plague Hazard for the next few years, especially after he had a metal plate fitted following surgery. The issue had knock-on effects, too, with the winger missing multiple games with various muscular issues.

Having been almost always available for both Chelsea and Lille, Hazard’s fitness woes in Spain were completely novel, but the patience of Madrid’s managers quickly grew thin as he endured setback after setback, even if his absences weren’t prolonged. With Vinicius Junior emerging as a superstar while Hazard watched on and Rodrygo developed into a useful complementary piece, there eventually grew little need for the club to continue waiting on Hazard.

The ship had sailed, with Transfermarkt noting that Hazard suffered 18 injuries in his four-year Madrid career, totalling 498 days out and missing 77 games. An agreement regarding his contract termination was struck in June 2023.

After departing Madrid in the summer, 32-year-old Hazard has opted against earning another payday in MLS or the Saudi Pro League and has decided to hang up his boots.

His spell in Spain troubled him both physically and psychologically, and while it’s a shame to see the career of such a marvellous talent peter out as Hazard’s has, the Belgian clearly believes he has little more to give to the game.

“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” said Hazard, announcing his retirement. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.”

After recognising those who had helped him achieve what he has, Hazard concluded his statement by writing: “Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”

Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid record

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