The world of football has seen some remarkable talent. Whenever a veteran player retires, there is a young prodigy present to take his place. Though some players have the privilege to reach their full potential, others are not so lucky. Eden Hazard is one such athlete who could not deliver what he was capable of.
The Belgian international was a hero at Chelsea. The Blues considered Eden Hazard to be one of the greatest players. Unfortunately, he was unable to live up to his reputation at the Los Blancos due to an injury that reshaped his whole career.
Tackle that altered Eden Hazard’s career
On October 10, 2023, Belgian footballer Eden Hazard announced his retirement. The winger is only 32 years old, but in his Instagram post, he said that this is the right time to stop: “You must listen to yourself and stay stopped at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I was able to realize my dream. I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.”
Eden Hazard’s career was derailed after he sustained an ankle injury in a 2019 Champions League fixture against PSG. His own countryman, Thomas Meunier, made a tackle that caused a microfracture in the winger’s ankle, forcing him to the sidelines. This was the start of Hazard’s downfall. The former Chelsea player stayed on the bench for the next three months. His play style suffered a lot due to that injury, as he never fully recovered from it.
Hazard only scored four league goals during his Real Madrid tenure
Eden Hazard made a dream move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2019, one year after Cristiano Ronaldo left the Los Blancos. The new signing from Chelsea was supposed to be Madrid’s “next big thing”. He was also given the number 7 jersey, and Madrid fans were sure that Hazard would do for them in La Liga what he did for Chelsea in the Premier League.
During his time at Real Madrid, Eden Hazard made a total of 76 appearances, in which he managed to score only seven goals. The two-time Premier League winner could not leave a mark in La Liga. He scored four league goals, one Copa del Rey goal, and two Champions League goals for Real Madrid.
Eden Hazard has decided to hang his boots early, as the Belgian had no other choice. His injuries have taken a toll on his body, making him unable to play.
