Eden Hazard is a name that resonates with football fans around the world. From his early days as a prodigious talent in Belgium to his rise as one of the most skillful and exciting players in Europe, Hazard’s career has been filled with incredible achievements, but also marked by frustrating injuries. His time at top clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid has been both iconic and tumultuous. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the career of Eden Hazard, his playing style, his achievements, the challenges he has faced, and much more.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born on January 7, 1991, in La Louvière, Belgium, Eden Hazard grew up in a footballing family. His father, Thierry Hazard, was a semi-professional footballer, and his two older brothers, Thorgan and Kylian Hazard, also pursued football careers. From a young age, it was clear that Eden had a special talent for the game. He joined his local club, Royal Stade Brainois, at the age of 4, and his exceptional skills quickly caught the eye of scouts.
At the age of 14, Hazard moved to France to join the prestigious French football academy, the Clairefontaine National Football Institute. This move proved to be a turning point in his development, as he honed his technical skills and physical attributes at one of the top football academies in the world.
Rise to Prominence at Lille OSC
Hazard’s professional debut came at the age of 16 when he joined Lille OSC’s senior squad in Ligue 1 in 2007. Initially, he was used sparingly, but over time, he earned a regular spot in the starting lineup. In the 2009-2010 season, Hazard truly broke through as one of the most exciting young players in European football. His pace, dribbling ability, and creativity made him a constant threat in Ligue 1.
In the 2010-2011 season, Hazard’s performances for Lille reached new heights. He helped the club win the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, marking Lille’s first league title in 57 years. Hazard’s individual brilliance earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, a prestigious recognition that would signal his impending rise to elite status.
Move to Chelsea FC
Eden Hazard’s success in France attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, and in 2012, he made the high-profile move to the Premier League, signing with Chelsea FC for a reported £32 million, a significant sum at the time. Hazard arrived at Chelsea with high expectations, but he quickly proved that he was more than capable of handling the pressure.
In his debut season, Hazard showcased his immense talent, registering 13 goals and 24 assists in all competitions. His combination of flair, vision, and technical ability made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge. Hazard played an integral role in Chelsea’s success, helping them win the 2013 UEFA Europa League, where his performances were instrumental in securing the trophy.
One of Hazard’s standout seasons came in the 2014-2015 campaign, under manager José Mourinho. Hazard was voted the PFA Player of the Year, and his performances in the Premier League helped Chelsea secure the league title. He was consistently one of the league’s best players, contributing goals, assists, and moments of magic that delighted fans.
Establishing Himself as One of the Premier League’s Best
Over the next several seasons, Hazard continued to shine at Chelsea. He was a central figure in the team’s attack and maintained his position as one of the top players in the Premier League. Under Antonio Conte, Chelsea won the 2016-2017 Premier League title, with Hazard playing a key role in the team’s success. His ability to create chances, beat defenders, and score goals made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
However, despite the team’s success, Hazard’s time at Chelsea was not without its ups and downs. Injuries would occasionally disrupt his form, and during the 2018-2019 season, he faced criticism for his performances in big matches. Nevertheless, Hazard was a critical part of Chelsea’s success, and in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he helped Belgium secure third place with a series of impressive performances on the international stage.
Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2019, after seven successful seasons at Chelsea, Eden Hazard made the high-profile move to Real Madrid for a transfer fee that could rise to €150 million, depending on add-ons. The move was seen as a new challenge for Hazard, who had long been linked with a transfer to one of Spain’s biggest clubs. Hazard’s arrival at Real Madrid was met with much anticipation, as many fans hoped he would be the player to lead the team in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era.
However, Hazard’s time at Real Madrid has been far from the fairy tale many envisioned. Injuries have plagued his time in Spain, with the Belgian winger struggling to find consistency in his performances. Since joining the club, Hazard has been hampered by a series of setbacks, including multiple ankle injuries that have kept him out of action for extended periods.
Despite the setbacks, Hazard has shown flashes of his old brilliance. He has provided key assists and scored important goals for Real Madrid, but his full potential has not yet been realized in Spain. The 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons were particularly frustrating for Hazard, as he faced injury after injury, limiting his impact on the pitch.
Playing Style
Eden Hazard is widely regarded as one of the most skillful and technically gifted players of his generation. His playing style is characterized by his dribbling ability, close control, balance, and agility. Hazard is known for his ability to glide past defenders with ease, using quick changes of direction and bursts of pace to leave opponents behind. He is also capable of delivering pinpoint passes and scoring spectacular goals from all positions on the field.
One of Hazard’s standout qualities is his vision. He has an exceptional understanding of the game and is able to pick out teammates with precise, intelligent passes. This vision, combined with his dribbling ability, makes him a constant threat in the final third. Hazard is also known for his ability to play in multiple attacking positions, whether as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even a forward. While Hazard is known for his offensive output, he also contributes defensively, tracking back to help his team regain possession and disrupt opposing attacks. His work rate and determination are often overlooked, but they are key aspects of his game.
Injuries and Setbacks
Eden Hazard’s career has been marred by injuries, particularly during his time at Real Madrid. Despite his immense talent, Hazard has struggled to maintain his fitness, with ankle injuries being the primary issue. These injuries have limited his ability to play consistently and have prevented him from reaching the heights many expected when he made the move to Madrid.
At Chelsea, Hazard was largely injury-free and played regularly, but his time at Real Madrid has been a different story. His injuries have been a source of frustration for both him and the club, and his inability to stay fit has led to criticism from some quarters. Despite this, Hazard has remained professional and determined to regain his best form, and Real Madrid fans continue to hold hope that he will return to his previous level of performance.
International Career with Belgium
Eden Hazard has been a key player for the Belgian national team for over a decade. He made his debut for Belgium in 2008, and since then, he has become the team’s captain and one of its most influential players. Hazard played a pivotal role in Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, contributing goals and assists while showcasing his leadership qualities. In addition to his World Cup success, Hazard has represented Belgium in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His performances on the international stage have earned him widespread acclaim, and he is widely regarded as one of the best Belgian players in history.
Legacy and Impact
As of 2025, Eden Hazard’s legacy remains complex. His time at Chelsea cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s best players, and his skill, creativity, and vision have left a lasting impact on the club. Despite the struggles in his later years at Real Madrid, Hazard’s time in the football spotlight has inspired countless young players around the world.
While his injuries have undoubtedly affected his career trajectory, Hazard’s achievements, both at the club and international levels, ensure that he will be remembered as one of the finest players of his generation. His legacy is not just defined by his individual brilliance but also by the joy and excitement he brought to the pitch, making him a beloved figure among fans.
FAQs
Who is Eden Hazard?
Eden Hazard is a Belgian professional footballer known for his skill, vision, and creativity on the field. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger and has been regarded as one of the best players of his generation. Born on January 7, 1991, in La Louvière, Belgium, Hazard made a name for himself at clubs like Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
Has Eden Hazard won the Ballon d’Or?
As of 2025, Eden Hazard has not won the Ballon d’Or, but he has been nominated for the prestigious award multiple times. While he has not reached the same heights as some of his contemporaries like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, he is still widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers of his generation.
What is Eden Hazard’s role with the Belgium national team?
Eden Hazard has been a key player for the Belgium national team, contributing to their success in international tournaments. He played a crucial role in Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Despite injury setbacks, he remains one of Belgium’s most influential players and a leader within the squad.
What is Eden Hazard’s playing style like?
Eden Hazard’s playing style revolves around technical skills and creativity. He is highly effective in dribbling, carrying the ball, and unlocking opposition defenses with his vision and passing ability. He often operates in tight spaces and can make a difference through his individual brilliance.
Why did Eden Hazard struggle at Real Madrid?
Hazard’s struggles at Real Madrid have been largely attributed to injuries, particularly issues with his ankles. These injuries have kept him from performing at his best and have prevented him from making the impact many expected when he signed for the club.
In Summary
Eden Hazard’s journey from a young prodigy in Belgium to one of the most exciting talents in Europe has been filled with triumphs and challenges. While injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential at Real Madrid, his time at Chelsea has left a lasting legacy. Hazard’s technical ability, creativity, and flair have made him a fan favorite, and his impact on the footballing world will continue to be felt for years to come. Whether or not he can regain his former glory remains to be seen, but Eden Hazard’s place in football history is already secure.
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