Eden Hazard Biography, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Siblings, Family, Personal Life
Eden Michael Walter Hazard, born on January 7, 1991, is a retired Belgian footballer. He played as a winger or attacking midfielder for Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Belgium national team.
Hazard is renowned for his creativity, dribbling, passing, and vision, making him one of the standout players of his generation. Hazard kicked off his senior career with Ligue 1 club Lille in 2007 at the age of 16, quickly becoming a key player under manager Rudi Garcia.
In his debut season, he scooped the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award, and in the 2010-11 season, he contributed significantly to Lille clinching the league and cup double, earning him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year accolade.
After an impressive stint with Lille, Hazard made a move to English club Chelsea in June 2012. In his first season, he played a crucial role in securing the UEFA Europa League, followed by the PFA Young Player of the Year in the subsequent season.
The 2014-15 season saw Hazard aiding Chelsea in winning the Football League Cup and Premier League, earning him the FWA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards.
Two years later, he secured his second English league title as Chelsea triumphed in the 2016-17 Premier League. In 2018, Hazard, now a Chelsea legend, won the FA Cup and was recognized in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11.
His journey took a turn in the summer of 2019 when he joined Real Madrid in a high-profile transfer. Unfortunately, injury setbacks, subpar performances, and fitness issues limited his game time, leading to his departure from the club in June 2023.
Four months later, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football. On the international stage, Hazard represented Belgium at various youth levels before making his senior debut in November 2008.
Amassing over 126 caps, he played a pivotal role in Belgium’s notable achievements, including reaching the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, and Euro 2020.
At the 2018 World Cup, Hazard captained Belgium to a historic third-place finish, earning the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player. From 2015 to 2022, he served as the team captain, guiding Belgium to the top of the FIFA men’s ranking for the first time.
Introduction
Eden Michael Walter Hazard, born on 7 January 1991 in La Louvière, Belgium, is a former professional footballer celebrated for his exceptional skills as a winger and attacking midfielder. Let’s delve into the chronicles of his life, from his early days in Braine-le-Comte to his illustrious career with Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Belgium national team.
Biography
Eden Michael Walter Hazard, born on 7 January 1991 in La Louvière, Belgium, is a talented football player. Standing at 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Hazard is known for his skills as a winger and attacking midfielder.
Hazard’s football journey began in his youth, starting with Royal Stade Brainois from 1995 to 2003. He then moved to AFC Tubize from 2003 to 2005 and later joined Lille in 2005.
In his senior career, Hazard played for various teams. He started with Lille II in 2007-2008, making 13 appearances and scoring one goal. From 2007 to 2012, he played for Lille, amassing 147 appearances and scoring 36 goals.
His time at Chelsea, from 2012 to 2019, saw him make 245 appearances and score 85 goals. Hazard then joined Real Madrid in 2019, where he played until 2023, making 54 appearances and scoring four goals.
In total, his senior career comprises 459 appearances and 126 goals. On the international stage, Hazard represented Belgium from 2008 to 2022, earning 126 caps and scoring 33 goals.
His journey includes playing for various youth teams, such as Belgium U15, U16, U17, and U19. Eden Hazard’s football career is marked by impressive achievements and contributions to both club and country, making him a notable figure in the world of soccer.
Age, Birthplace, and Background
As of 2024, Hazard is 33 years old, hailing from La Louvière. His parents, Carine and Thierry, both had football backgrounds, contributing to his early exposure to the sport.
Thierry, a defensive midfielder in the Belgian Second Division, and Carine, a striker in the Belgian Women’s First Division, later became sports teachers.
Eden’s upbringing, alongside his three football-playing brothers, Thorgan, Kylian, and Ethan, was surrounded by a passion for the game.
Eden Hazard Early Life and Education
Growing up in Braine-le-Comte, Hazard idolized French midfielder Zinedine Zidane, fueling his aspiration to excel in football.
The family lived in close proximity to a football training ground, fostering an environment that nurtured the talents of the Hazard brothers.
Thierry retired in 2009 to devote more time to his children, emphasizing the importance of family support in Eden’s formative years.
Eden Hazard Career
Hazard’s football journey began at Royal Stade Brainois in his hometown when he was just four years old. Even at that young age, his coach recognized his exceptional talent, stating that Hazard already knew everything about the game.
After spending eight years at Royal Stade Brainois, Hazard moved on to AFC Tubize. During a local tournament with Tubize, a scout from Lille spotted him, leading to a meeting with Hazard’s father and an offer for a youth contract.
The decision to join Lille was motivated by the hope for better training facilities in France. Joining Lille in 2005, Hazard initially developed in the club’s local sports school. In 2007, he signed his first professional contract at the age of 16.
His early career at Lille involved playing for both the reserve and under-18 teams. Hazard’s breakthrough came in the 2008–09 season when he was permanently promoted to the first team.
He became the youngest goalscorer in Lille’s history and contributed significantly to the team’s success. His impressive performances earned him a contract extension until 2012.
The following season, Hazard continued to shine, scoring in important matches and helping Lille secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League. Despite transfer speculations, Hazard remained with Lille and signed a contract extension until 2014.
In the 2010–11 season, Hazard played a crucial role in Lille’s league double, winning both the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 title. His outstanding contributions led to him being named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
The final season in France (2011–12) saw Hazard continuing to excel, scoring goals and assisting in key victories. He ended his Lille career with a hat-trick in a 4–1 win against Nancy.
Hazard’s time at Lille was marked by individual success, awards, and significant contributions to the team’s achievements. His performances consistently earned him recognition, making him a standout player in French football.
Eden Hazard’s Career In Chelsea
In June 2012, Chelsea officially announced the signing of Eden Hazard from Lille for £32 million. Hazard expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m delighted to finally arrive here. It’s a wonderful club, and I can’t wait to get started.”
His debut season showcased his talent, contributing to Chelsea’s victories and making a significant impact. Throughout the 2012–13 season, Hazard played a crucial role in various competitions.
He made his Champions League debut against Juventus, scored in league matches, and even delivered in the FA Cup, helping Chelsea reach the last 16. Despite a red card in the League Cup semi-final, Hazard ended the season with 13 goals.
The following seasons, 2013–2015, marked Hazard’s success, winning the Premier League and earning individual accolades. He played a vital role in key matches, including a UEFA Super Cup clash against Bayern Munich.
Hazard’s exceptional form led to nominations for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, and he received the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2014. In 2014–15, Hazard continued his impressive performances, securing a new contract and helping Chelsea win the Premier League title.
He was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Chelsea’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive time. The 2015–16 season presented challenges for Hazard, but he bounced back with remarkable displays in the latter part of the season.
He played a crucial role in Chelsea’s 12 consecutive league victories, setting a new club record. Hazard’s efforts earned him the PFA Player of the Month award in October 2016.
From 2016 to 2018, Hazard maintained his stellar form, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s successes. He scored vital goals, led the team to victories, and clinched the 2018 FA Cup with a winning penalty against Manchester United.
In the 2018–19 season, Hazard continued to shine, delivering impactful performances. He scored goals, assisted his teammates, and played a key role in Chelsea’s Europa League triumph, where he expressed his desire to seek new challenges after seven years at the club.
Throughout his Chelsea career, Hazard’s skill, versatility, and goal-scoring prowess have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
Eden Hazard’s Career In Real Madrid
In June 2019, Real Madrid welcomed Eden Hazard, signing him for a reported €100 million. Despite an initial struggle with fitness, Hazard found his form, contributing to Madrid’s 2019-20 La Liga win.
Unfortunately, his progress was interrupted by a right ankle injury in November 2019, causing him to miss several matches. The 2020-21 season saw Hazard facing competition and dealing with criticism, but he made notable contributions, including a Champions League goal against Inter Milan.
In May 2021, he faced backlash for laughing after Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea. Despite challenges, he scored a crucial goal against Sevilla.
The subsequent season proved challenging for Hazard, facing competition from Vinícius Júnior and dealing with injuries. He scored a late winner against Elche in the Copa del Rey but underwent surgery in March 2022.
Hazard celebrated La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid in April and May 2022. In the 2022-23 season, Hazard struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup. His relationship with coach Carlo Ancelotti soured, leading to his contract termination in June 2023.
Shortly after leaving Madrid, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32, concluding a 16-year career with 748 appearances, 200 goals, and 193 assists.
On October 10, 2023, Hazard retired, leaving a legacy that includes being part of Real Madrid’s historic successes and facing challenges that labeled him as one of the club’s greatest flops.
Eden Hazard Retirement
In Belgium’s 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, Hazard played a crucial role, contributing an assist in a 5–2 victory over Estonia and scoring in a 3–0 win against the Czech Republic. His performances earned praise from Belgium manager Roberto Martínez.
However, after Belgium’s early exit in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Hazard, at the age of 31, announced his retirement from the national team on December 7, 2022.
Eden Hazard International Career
Eden Hazard has enjoyed a successful international career with the Belgium national team, making his debut in 2008 at the age of 17. Some notable moments from his time representing Belgium include playing in three World Cups, participating in 14 games, and scoring 3 goals.
He played a crucial role in helping Belgium reach the quarter-finals in both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Hazard earned comparisons to Belgian legend Thierry Scifo, showcasing his significance as a key player for the team.
Hazard’s international journey began in 2006 with Belgium U-15, where he played 5 games and scored 1 goal. He then progressed to the Belgium U-16 team, participating in 4 games and scoring 2 goals. In 2008, he made his debut for the senior Belgium national team.
Throughout his career, Hazard demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, establishing himself as one of the best players of his generation. He retired from the Belgium national team after the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the age of 31.
Eden Hazard Net Worth (as of 2024)
As of 2023, Eden Hazard’s net worth is estimated at around $100 million, a testament to his successful career on and off the pitch.
In addition to his reported annual salary of $15 million, Hazard’s endorsements and sponsorship deals have significantly contributed to his financial success.
Eden Hazard Personal Life
Eden Hazard is married to Natacha Van Honacker since 2012. Natacha, born on March 7, 1992, is a private individual with Belgian nationality. The couple has three children, maintaining a low-key family life despite the footballer’s high-profile career.
Natacha’s parents-in-law, Thierry and Carine Hazard, share a football legacy, with Thierry playing semi-professionally and Carine being a striker in the Belgian Women’s First Division.
Conclusion
Eden Hazard’s journey from a small town in Belgium to the pinnacle of football is a story of talent, dedication, and family support.
As we reflect on his achievements, it’s evident that his impact extends beyond the football field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
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