Eden Hazard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Eden Hazard

Hazard with Chelsea during the 2019 UEFA Europa League final
Personal information
Date of birth	(1991-01-07) 7 January 1991 (age 34)
Place of birth	La Louvière, Belgium
Height	1.75 m
Playing position	Winger, attacking midfielder
Youth career
1995–2003	Royal Stade Brainois
2003–2005	AFC Tubize
2005–2007	Lille
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2007–2008	Lille II	13	(1)
2007–2012	Lille	147	(36)
2012–2019	Chelsea	245	(85)
2019–2023	Real Madrid	54	(4)
Total		459	(126)
National team
2006	Belgium U15	5	(1)
2006	Belgium U16	4	(2)
2006–2008	Belgium U17	17	(2)
2007–2009	Belgium U19	11	(6)
2008–2022	Belgium	126	(33)
Honours Men's football Representing  Belgium FIFA World Cup Third 2018 Russia
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Eden Michael Walter Hazard (born 7 January 1991) is a Belgian former professional footballer. He played as a winger or attacking midfielder. He is known for his amazing dribbling skills and creativity. Many people think he is one of the best players of his time.

Hazard started his senior career with Ligue 1 club Lille in 2007. He was only 16 years old. He quickly became a key player for Lille. In his first full season, he won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. He was the first non-French player to do so. The next season, he won the award again, becoming the first player to win it twice. In the 2010–11 season, he helped Lille win both the league and the cup. He was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, the youngest player ever to win it.

After playing over 190 games and scoring 50 goals for Lille, Hazard joined English club Chelsea in June 2012. He won the UEFA Europa League in his first season. In his second season, he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year. In the 2014–15 season, Hazard helped Chelsea win the Football League Cup and the Premier League. He also won the FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Players' Player of the Year awards. Two years later, he won his second English league title with Chelsea. In 2018, he won the FA Cup. He also made it into the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11, a team of the world's best players. He won the Europa League again with Chelsea in 2019, scoring two goals in the final. At Chelsea, Hazard became one of the best players in the world.

In the summer of 2019, he moved to Real Madrid. This was a very expensive transfer. However, he faced many injuries and did not play as much. He left Real Madrid in June 2023 and retired from football four months later.

Hazard played for Belgium at different youth levels. He made his debut for the Belgium national team in November 2008 when he was 17. He played over 126 games for his country. He was part of the Belgian team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, and Euro 2020. At the 2018 World Cup, he was the captain. Belgium finished third, their best result ever. Hazard received the FIFA World Cup Silver Ball as the second-best player in the tournament. He was the team captain from 2015 to 2022. During this time, Belgium was ranked number one in the world for a long time.

Early Life and Family

Eden Michael Walter Hazard was born on 7 January 1991 in La Louvière, Belgium. He grew up in Braine-le-Comte. Both his mother, Carine, and father, Thierry, were footballers. His father played at a semi-professional level. His mother played as a striker in the top women's league. She stopped playing when she was pregnant with Eden. After playing, both parents became sports teachers.

Hazard is the oldest of four brothers. All of them play football. His brothers are Thorgan, Kylian, and Ethan. The family lived very close to a football training ground. The brothers often practiced there. When he was growing up, Hazard looked up to French midfielder Zinedine Zidane. He would watch Zidane play for hours.

Club Journey

Starting Out in Football

Hazard began playing football at age four for his hometown club, Royal Stade Brainois. One of his youth coaches called him "gifted." He said Hazard "knew everything" about the game. Hazard played there for eight years. Then, he moved to AFC Tubize. A scout from Lille saw him play in a tournament. This led to Lille offering him a youth contract.

Hazard's parents agreed to the offer from Lille. They hoped the training in France would be better. His father later said it was the best choice. It allowed Eden and Thorgan to grow as players.

Time at Lille

First Steps at Lille

Hazard joined Lille in 2005. He spent two years at the club's sports school. On 28 May 2007, he signed his first professional contract. He was 16 years old. In the 2007–08 season, Hazard joined the club's reserve team. He also played with the under-18 team. He made his first professional appearance on 24 November 2007. He came on as a substitute against Nancy.

Hazard scored his first goal for the reserve team on 17 May 2008. He helped the reserve team finish fifth.

Breaking Through and Winning Awards

New manager Rudi Garcia moved Hazard to the first team in the 2008–09 season. On 20 September, he scored his first goal for the senior team against Auxerre. This made him the youngest goalscorer in the club's history. On 15 November, he started his first league game. He scored the first goal in a 3–0 win over Saint-Étienne. His great play led Lille to offer him a new contract until 2012.

Lille finished fifth in the league, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. After the season, Hazard was named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year. He was the first non-French player to win this award. Many big clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid showed interest in him. But Hazard wanted to stay at Lille.

More Success and Awards

Hazard started the 2009–10 season well. He scored in Lille's first game in the Europa League. On 22 October, he scored a goal against Italian club Genoa. He dribbled past six defenders before scoring. On 30 January, he scored the only goal in a win against rivals Lens. In March, he scored the only goal against English club Liverpool in the Europa League. For his great play in March, he won the UNFP Player of the Month award.

On 9 May, Hazard won the Young Player of the Year award for the second year in a row. He was the first player to do this.

Winning the League and Cup

Hazard started the 2010–11 campaign as a regular player. He scored his first goal of the season on 29 August against Nice. In late September, he struggled a bit. His coach, Rudi Garcia, benched him to help him improve. Hazard later said this period helped him grow stronger mentally.

On 4 March, Hazard signed a new contract until 2015. This made him the highest-paid player in Ligue 1. He scored a fantastic goal from far away against Marseille. On 2 April, he played his 100th league game for Lille. He scored a goal in a 3–1 win over Caen. This helped Lille move eight points clear at the top of the league. He won the UNFP Player of the Month award again.

On 19 April, he scored in Lille's 2–0 win over Nice in the Coupe de France semi-final. This sent Lille to the final for the first time since 1955. On 7 May, he scored a winning free-kick goal against Nancy. In the 2011 Coupe de France final, Lille beat PSG 1–0. A week later, Lille won the Ligue 1 title. This was the club's first league championship since 1954. It was also Hazard's first two trophies. The day after winning the league, Hazard was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. He was the youngest player to win this award. He was also in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the second time.

Last Season in France

Hazard playing for Lille in 2011

In Lille's first game of the 2011–12 season, Hazard scored against Marseille. On 10 September, he scored two goals against Saint-Étienne. He made his UEFA Champions League debut on 14 September. On 3 December, he scored a winning penalty against Ajaccio.

On 18 March, Hazard scored a goal and set up two others in a 4–0 win over Valenciennes. On 15 April, he played his 100th straight Ligue 1 game. He scored a goal and assisted another in a 4–1 win over Ajaccio. On 29 April, he scored a penalty against PSG. He also made a special pass that led to Lille's winning goal.

On 28 April, Hazard was nominated for the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award for the third time. He won it two weeks later. He became the second player ever to win the award in two seasons in a row. He was also in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the third time. On 20 May, Hazard played his final game for Lille against Nancy. He scored his first hat-trick in a 4–1 win.

Moving to Chelsea

First Season and First Trophy

Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2012

On 4 June 2012, Premier League club Chelsea announced they had agreed to sign Hazard. The transfer fee was about £32 million. Hazard said he was "delighted to finally arrive here." On 12 August, he made his debut for Chelsea. A week later, he made his league debut against Wigan Athletic. He set up the first goal and won a penalty for the second. Chelsea won 2–0. On 22 August, he made his home debut. He won another penalty and assisted two goals. Chelsea won 4–2. Three days later, Hazard scored his first goal for Chelsea from a penalty kick. Chelsea won 2–0.

Hazard made his Champions League debut for Chelsea on 19 September 2012. In January 2013, he scored a great goal from 25 yards against Stoke City. On 23 January 2013, he was sent off in a League Cup game against Swansea City. He kicked the ball from under a ball boy who was trying to waste time. Hazard later apologized for his actions. On 9 February, he scored in his first game back from suspension.

On 21 February 2013, Hazard scored a late goal against Sparta Prague. This sent Chelsea to the next round of the Champions League. He also scored and assisted a goal against Manchester United in the 2012–13 FA Cup. On 17 March, he had a great game against West Ham United. He assisted a goal and scored one himself. Hazard ended his first season at Chelsea with 13 goals.

Winning the Premier League and More Awards

Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2013

In October 2013, Hazard scored the winning goal against Norwich City. He then scored twice and assisted a goal against Cardiff City. He scored his fifth goal of the season against Schalke 04 in the Champions League. In October, Hazard was on the list for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, an award for the world's best player.

On 4 December, Hazard scored two goals against Sunderland. His coach, José Mourinho, said it was his best game of the season. After a great game against Manchester City, Mourinho called Hazard the best young footballer in the world. Hazard scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United on 8 February.

On 27 April 2014, Hazard won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He also finished second for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. In May, he was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year.

Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2014

On 5 October 2014, he won and scored a penalty against Arsenal. This made Chelsea the last unbeaten team in the league. He had scored all 16 of his penalties at that point. His first Champions League goals of the 2014–15 season came on 21 October. He scored two goals in a 6–0 win over Maribor. On 5 November, he missed a penalty against the same team. Hazard scored his second ever headed goal against Hull on 13 December.

Hazard signed a new contract with Chelsea on 12 February 2015. He said he was "very happy" to play for "one of the best clubs in the world." He played in Chelsea's 2–0 win over Tottenham in the 2015 League Cup final. His coach called him "one of the top three players in the world." On 26 April, Hazard won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. A week later, he scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace to win their first Premier League title since 2010. On 26 May, Hazard was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

A Challenging Season and Return to Form

Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2015

Hazard had a tough start to the 2015–16 season. He missed a penalty in the Champions League. On 27 October, he was the only Chelsea player to miss in a penalty shootout against Stoke. Hazard went a long time without scoring a goal. On 31 January 2016, he scored his 50th goal for Chelsea from a penalty kick.

On 23 April, he scored two goals against AFC Bournemouth. On 2 May, he came on as a substitute against Tottenham. He scored an equalizer that helped Leicester City win the Premier League title. On 11 May, he scored his fourth league goal of the season against Liverpool.

Winning More Trophies with Chelsea

On 15 August 2016, Hazard scored a penalty in Chelsea's first Premier League game. He was named man of the match. On 27 August, he scored the first goal in a 3–0 win over Burnley. On 15 October, Hazard and Diego Costa dedicated their goals to Willian, whose mother had passed away. On 23 October, he scored his fourth goal of the season against Manchester United. This equaled his total from the previous season.

Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2016

Hazard continued his great form. He scored and assisted a goal against Southampton. He scored two goals and assisted another in a 5–0 win over Everton. On 18 November, he was named the Premier League Player of the Month for October.

Hazard led Chelsea to a club record 12th straight league win on 26 December 2016. He scored his 50th Premier League goal from a penalty. On 20 April 2017, Hazard was named in the PFA Team of the Year. Two days later, he scored as a substitute in Chelsea's 4–2 FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.

In the summer of 2017, Hazard got an ankle injury. This made him miss the start of the season. On 28 October, he scored his first league goal of the season against Bournemouth. On 3 January 2018, Hazard scored in a 2–2 draw with Arsenal. Two goals against Brighton on 20 January made it 100 league goals in his career. On 12 February, Hazard scored two goals in a 3–0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

In the 2018 FA Cup final on 19 May, Hazard won a penalty. He scored it himself, and it was the winning goal as Chelsea beat Manchester United 1–0.

Final Season at Chelsea

Hazard wearing his winner's medal after winning the 2019 UEFA Europa League final with Chelsea

Hazard scored in his first start of the 2018–19 season. He converted a penalty in a 2–1 win against Newcastle United. He came off the bench to give Chelsea a 2–1 win over Liverpool in the League Cup. This was his sixth goal in seven games. In the next game, he scored against Liverpool in the Premier League. His five league goals in September 2018 earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award. On 16 December, Hazard scored and assisted a goal against Brighton. He also helped Chelsea reach the League Cup semi-final. He scored two goals against Watford on 26 December. The first was his 100th Chelsea goal and 150th club career goal.

On 8 April 2019, Hazard scored a solo goal against West Ham United. It was voted the Premier League Goal of the Month. On 9 May 2019, Hazard scored the winning penalty in a shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt. This sent Chelsea to the Europa League final. He had 15 assists in the 2018–19 Premier League season, winning the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award. On 29 May, Chelsea won the 2018–19 Europa League with a 4–1 win over Arsenal. Hazard scored twice and assisted a goal. After the match, Hazard said he wanted a "new challenge." He was included in the ESM Team of the Season and the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11. He also won every individual Chelsea award, a first for any player.

Time at Real Madrid

Injuries and Challenges

Hazard playing for Real Madrid in 2019

On 7 June 2019, La Liga club Real Madrid announced they were signing Hazard. He signed a contract until 2024 for a fee of €100 million. This made him one of Madrid's most expensive players. Hazard was presented to 50,000 fans on 13 June 2019. He said he had "dreamt about this since I was little." He also said manager Zinedine Zidane was a key reason for his move.

Hazard made his debut on 14 September 2019. On 5 October, he scored his first goal for Real Madrid against Granada. He also got his first assist in a 4–2 win. He started to play well, but then he got an ankle injury on 26 November. This injury made him miss many games, including the first El Clásico of the season. He played 16 league games and scored one goal as Madrid won the 2019–20 La Liga.

On 31 October 2020, Hazard scored his first goal in over a year. It was his first goal of the 2020–21 season. On 25 November, he scored his first Champions League goal for Madrid. On 5 May 2021, Hazard apologized after being criticized for laughing with former Chelsea teammates. Four days later, he scored a goal against Sevilla.

Later Years and Retirement

In the 2021–22 season, Hazard played well early on. But he faced competition from other players. He also had minor injuries. On 20 January 2022, Hazard scored his first goal of the season. It was a winning goal in extra time against Elche. On 25 March, he had surgery on his right ankle. On 30 April, Hazard won his second La Liga title with Real Madrid. On 28 May, he won his first Champions League title. He was a substitute in the final.

At the start of the 2022–23 season, Hazard wanted to improve. On 6 September 2022, he assisted a goal and scored his 200th career goal. This was in a Champions League game against Celtic. This goal was his last career goal. He played less and less after this. On 3 June, Hazard and Real Madrid agreed to end his contract early. He left the club after four years. He scored only 7 goals and made 12 assists in 76 games for Real Madrid.

On 10 October 2023, Hazard announced he was retiring from professional football. He was 32 years old.

Playing for Belgium

Youth Teams

Hazard played for many Belgian national youth teams. He played for the under-17 and under-19 teams. With the under-17 team, he played 17 games and scored two goals. He played in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He scored his only goal in that tournament against the Netherlands. Belgium reached the semi-finals but lost to Spain. Because they finished third, Belgium qualified for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Hazard played in all three group games there.

Hazard started playing for the under-19 team in October 2007. On 7 October 2008, he scored his first under-19 goal against Estonia. Three days later, he scored two goals against Croatia. In the qualifying round for the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, Hazard scored three goals. Belgium did not qualify for the tournament.

Senior Team Debut

On 18 November 2008, Hazard was called up to the Belgium senior team. He was only 17. Before his debut, French officials tried to get him to play for France. Hazard said he felt "99% Belgian and 1% French." He made his debut against Luxembourg. He became the eighth youngest international player in Belgian history. On 12 August 2009, he made his first start for Belgium.

Under new manager Georges Leekens, Hazard sometimes played as a substitute. Leekens said Hazard needed to work harder. On 7 October 2011, nearly three years after his debut, Hazard scored his first goal for Belgium. It was in a 4–1 win against Kazakhstan. Belgium needed to beat Germany to qualify for Euro 2012, but they lost.

Belgium's Golden Generation

Hazard played in nine games during Belgium's successful 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. He scored two goals. On 13 May 2014, Hazard was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 World Cup. He assisted goals in wins against Algeria and Russia. Belgium reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Argentina.

On 7 June 2015, Hazard was captain for the first time in a friendly against France. He scored a penalty in a 4–3 win. He scored more goals in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying. On 10 October, he scored against Andorra, which sealed Belgium's qualification for Euro 2016.

Hazard was named captain of Belgium for Euro 2016. He scored a solo goal against Hungary. Belgium was knocked out by Wales in the quarter-finals. He was the top assist provider in the tournament.

Hazard playing for Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Hazard was captain of Belgium for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In the first game, he assisted a goal against Panama. He then scored twice against Tunisia. He was named man of the match. In the last group game, he was rested. In the last 16, Belgium came back from 0–2 down to beat Japan 3–2. Hazard was man of the match again.

Hazard played very well in the quarter-finals. He helped Belgium beat Brazil 2–1. He set a World Cup record for successful dribbles in a game. In the semi-finals, Belgium lost to France 1–0. On 14 July, Hazard scored in a 2–0 win against England. This secured third place for Belgium, their best World Cup finish ever.

At the end of the 2018 World Cup, Hazard was chosen as the second-best player. He won the FIFA World Cup Silver Ball. He scored three goals and made two assists. He was also man of the match three times.

Hazard earned his 100th cap for Belgium in March 2019. He scored a goal in a 2–0 win against Cyprus. He captained Belgium to be the first team to qualify for Euro 2020. He played in three games during the tournament. He assisted a winning goal against Denmark. Due to injury, he missed the quarter-final where Belgium lost to Italy.

Retirement from International Football

Hazard played in Belgium's 2022 World Cup qualification campaign. He assisted a goal against Estonia and scored against the Czech Republic. On 7 December 2022, Hazard announced his retirement from the national team. He was 31 years old.

How He Played

Hazard taking on the opposition team's defence while playing for Chelsea in 2012

Hazard mainly played as an attacking midfielder or a winger. Many called him "possibly the outstanding talent in Europe." At Lille, he often played on the wing. He could use both feet well. Later, he played more centrally as a creative midfielder.

Two of Hazard's best qualities were his speed and amazing technical ability. His speed, quickness, and dribbling skills were incredible. He was also very creative and balanced. His low height helped him keep the ball close. This allowed him to keep possession and beat defenders one-on-one.

At Chelsea, Hazard became a world-class player. He mostly played as a left midfielder. This allowed him to cut inside and shoot with his stronger right foot. His coach, José Mourinho, said he could become the best player in the world. Hazard's former teammate, Rio Mavuba, said Hazard was "a great player, with an immense talent." He added that Hazard was "very difficult to dispossess." Hazard was also good at taking penalties and free kicks.

Life Outside Football

Family Life

Hazard married Natacha Van Honacker in 2012. They have five sons: Yannis, Léo, Samy, Santi, and Ivan.

Sponsorships

In 2012, Hazard signed a deal with Nike. He appeared in an advert for their Green Speed II shoes.

Hazard was on the cover of EA Sports' FIFA video game FIFA 15 in several countries. He was also an ambassador for FIFA 17. In 2019, he became the main cover star for FIFA 20.

Since 2016, Hazard has been in adverts for Lotus Bakeries. He promotes their Biscoff biscuits. One advert shows him scoring a free kick into a small gap.

Other Ventures

On 26 June 2017, Hazard became a part-owner of a football team called San Diego 1904 FC. It was a new team in the North American Soccer League.

Lille's Tribute

On 10 March 2024, Lille OSC honored Hazard. They renamed their main training pitch the "Terrain Eden Hazard" (Eden Hazard pitch). Hazard was there with his family and former teammates. He also kicked off a home match and was celebrated by the fans. There is also a painted piece of the Berlin Wall with a graffiti of Hazard at the training center.

Honours

Hazard (left) holding the trophy after Chelsea's victory in the 2015 Football League Cup final

Lille

• Ligue 1: 2010–11
• Coupe de France: 2010–11

Chelsea

• Premier League: 2014–15, 2016–17
• FA Cup: 2017–18
• Football League Cup/EFL Cup: 2014–15
• UEFA Europa League: 2012–13, 2018–19

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2019–20, 2021–22
• Copa del Rey: 2022–23
• Supercopa de España: 2022
• UEFA Champions League: 2021–22
• UEFA Super Cup: 2022

Belgium

• FIFA World Cup third place: 2018

Individual Awards

• Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12
• Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2010–11, 2011–12
• PFA Young Player of the Year: 2013–14
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2014–15
• UEFA European Championship top assist provider: 2016
• PFA Players' Player of the Year 2014–15
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 2014–15
• Premier League Player of the Month: October 2016, September 2018
• Premier League Goal of the Month: February 2017, April 2019
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2017, 2018
• Belgium Player of the Year: 2017, 2018, 2019
• FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2018
• FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11: 2018, 2019
• UEFA Europa League Player of the Season: 2018–19
• Premier League Playmaker of the Season: 2018–19
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2018–19

Images for kids

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  Hazard playing for Lille in 2011

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  Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2012

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  Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2013

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  Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2014

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  Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2015

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  Hazard playing for Chelsea in 2016

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  Hazard wearing his winner's medal after winning the 2019 UEFA Europa League final with Chelsea

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  Hazard playing for Real Madrid in 2019

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  Hazard playing for Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

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  Hazard taking on the opposition team's defence while playing for Chelsea in 2012

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  Hazard (left) holding the trophy after Chelsea's victory in the 2015 Football League Cup final