Eden Hazard is a retired Belgian footballer known for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking abilities as a winger or attacking midfielder. Considered one of the greatest players of his time, he represented prominent clubs like Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, alongside a successful stint with the Belgian national team.
1904: Hazard Becomes Part-Owner of San Diego 1904 FC
In June 2017, Eden Hazard expanded his horizons beyond playing football by becoming a part-owner of San Diego 1904 FC, an expansion franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL), set to begin play in 2018. He joined fellow footballers Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow in this venture.
1945: Lille's last domestic double before 2011
The last time Lille won both the Coupe de France and the Ligue 1 title in the same season before 2011 was in the 1945-46 season.
1953: Lille's last Ligue 1 title before 2011
Lille's last Ligue 1 title before their triumph in the 2010-11 season was in the 1953-54 season.
1955: Lille's last Coupe de France final appearance before 2011
Before 2011, Lille's last appearance in the final of the Coupe de France was in 1955.
1966: World Cup Semi-Final and Third-Place Victory
At the 2018 World Cup, Hazard helped Belgium reach the semi-finals for only the second time, setting a tournament record for successful dribbles in a match since 1966 during their quarter-final win against Brazil. Although they lost to eventual champions France in the semis, Hazard led Belgium to their best-ever World Cup finish by securing third place with a win over England, earning himself a third man of the match award in the process.
January 1991: Early Life and Family Background of Eden Hazard
Born into a family with a deep passion for football, Eden Hazard's upbringing played a significant role in shaping his journey. His parents, both former footballers themselves, instilled in him a love for the sport.
January 1991: Birth of Eden Hazard
Eden Michael Walter Hazard was born in January 1991, marking the beginning of a journey that would see him become a renowned figure in the world of football.
1994: Inception of the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award
The Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award was established in 1994.
2005: Hazard Joins Lille's Youth Academy
Eden Hazard's journey with Lille began in 2005 when he joined their youth academy, setting the stage for his development as a footballer.
May 2007: Hazard Signs Professional Contract with Lille
In May 2007, Eden Hazard's talent was recognized as he signed his first professional contract with Lille, marking a significant step in his journey toward professional football.
September 2007: Hazard's Amateur Debut for Lille
Eden Hazard made his amateur debut for Lille in September 2007, beginning his journey in the lower ranks of the club's system.
September 2007: Call Up to the Under-19 Team
Hazard began earning call-ups to Belgium's under-19 team in 2007.
2007: Early Career and UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Hazard played for various Belgian national youth teams. In 2007, he played in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, scoring a goal in a draw against the Netherlands.
2007: Hazard's Senior Debut for Lille
At the young age of 16, Eden Hazard began his senior career with Lille, embarking on a professional journey that would see him rise to prominence.
May 2008: Hazard's First Amateur Goal for Lille
Eden Hazard scored his first amateur goal for Lille in May 2008, a testament to his growing abilities and potential.
October 2008: First Under-19 Goals
Hazard scored his first goals with the under-19 team in October 2008, during victories against Estonia and Croatia.
November 2008: Call Up to the Senior Team
Hazard received his first call up to the Belgium senior team in November 2008.
November 2008: Hazard's Promotion to Lille's First Team
Recognizing his talent and potential, Lille's new manager, Rudi Garcia, promoted Eden Hazard to the first team permanently for the 2008-2009 season.
November 2008: Hazard's International Debut for Belgium
At the age of 17, Eden Hazard made his debut for the Belgium national team in November 2008, marking the start of his international career.
2008: 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualification Matches
Hazard began playing in UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification matches in 2008.
2008: Transfer Speculation Surrounds Hazard
Following his breakthrough performances in the 2008-2009 season, Eden Hazard attracted significant interest from several prominent clubs, sparking widespread transfer speculation.
August 2009: Belgium Debut and First Start
In August 2009, Eden Hazard made his international debut for Belgium as a substitute against Luxembourg, becoming the eighth youngest player in Belgian football history. He made his first start later that month in a friendly match against the Czech Republic.
November 2009: First Full International Match and Assists
In November 2009, Hazard played his first full international match for Belgium against Hungary. He also provided two assists in the 3-0 victory.
2009: Hazard's Continued Success with Lille
Eden Hazard's positive form continued into the 2009-2010 season, scoring crucial goals for Lille in both domestic and European competitions.
2009: Elite Qualification Round
Hazard led the team in goals during the elite qualification round, but they ultimately did not qualify for the 2009 European Under-19 Championship.
2009: Continued Participation with Lille and Under-19 Team
Hazard's participation with Lille's first team limited his availability to play with the under-19 team.
2009: Hazard's Father's Dedication to Family
In 2009, Eden Hazard's father, Thierry, made a decision to retire from his position as a sports teacher, prioritizing his commitment to supporting his children's aspirations.
May 2010: New Manager and Benching
When Georges Leekens became manager of the Belgian national team in May 2010, Hazard initially started in his first three matches but was later benched due to underwhelming domestic performance and perceived lack of desire in training.
November 2010: Return to Starting Lineup and Assist
Hazard returned to Belgium's starting lineup in November 2010 for a friendly against Russia, where he assisted Romelu Lukaku's opening goal in a 2-0 win.
2010: Criticism and Defense of Hazard's Work Rate
In 2010, Eden Hazard faced criticism from former Belgium national team manager Georges Leekens, who questioned his work rate on the pitch. However, Lille youth academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme defended Hazard, arguing that his intellectual honesty and competitive spirit were exceptional qualities that set him apart.
2010: Start of the 2010-11 season with Lille
Eden Hazard began the 2010-11 season as a starter for Lille, playing in the first six league matches and Europa League fixtures.
2010: Hazard's Double Victory with Lille
Eden Hazard played a pivotal role in Lille's success in the 2010-2011 season, contributing significantly to their league and cup double victory.
2010: Premier League Title and Individual Accolades
Hazard's contributions were key in Chelsea's first Premier League title win since 2010. His exceptional season earned him recognition as the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Chelsea's Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.
February 2011: Hazard reflects on criticism from Leekens and Garcia
In February 2011, Eden Hazard reflected on the criticism he received from Belgium national team manager Georges Leekens and Lille manager Rudi Garcia about his work ethic, stating that he learned from the experience and his mentality improved.
February 2011: Starting and Benching Cycle Continues
Hazard started in a 1-1 draw against Finland in February 2011 but was benched again for crucial Euro 2012 qualifying matches in March 2011, with coach Leekens preferring other players.
March 2011: French Praise and Belgian Criticism
In March 2011, French media questioned why Hazard was struggling to gain recognition in his home country while receiving praise in France. Assistant coach Marc Wilmots suggested that the French press might be "blinded by his moments of magic" while overlooking other aspects of his game.
June 2011: Substitution and "Burgergate" Incident
In June 2011, after being substituted in a match against Turkey, a frustrated Hazard left for the locker room and was later seen eating a hamburger outside the stadium while the game was still on. The incident, dubbed "Burgergate," sparked controversy and led to an apology from Hazard.
October 2011: First International Goal
Hazard scored his first international goal for Belgium in October 2011 during a 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
2011: Hazard makes his UEFA Champions League debut
Eden Hazard made his debut in the UEFA Champions League on September 14, 2011, playing for Lille in a 2-2 draw against CSKA Moscow in the group stage.
2011: Hazard wins the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 with Lille
In 2011, Eden Hazard played a crucial role in Lille's historic double-winning season. He helped the team win the Coupe de France, their first since 1945-46, and the Ligue 1 title, their first since the 1953-54 season.
2011: Hazard's Playing Style and Early Career at Lille
In 2011, during his time at Lille, Eden Hazard was recognized for his exceptional talent and was widely considered one of the most promising young players in Europe. He primarily played as an attacking midfielder or winger in a 4-3-3 formation under manager Rudi Garcia. Hazard's remarkable speed, technical skills, and dribbling abilities, combined with his creativity and flair, made him a formidable opponent.
2011: Hazard helps Lille reach the Coupe de France final
On April 19, 2011, Eden Hazard scored the opening goal in Lille's 2-0 victory over Nice in the Coupe de France semi-final, sending the club to their first final appearance in the competition since 1955.
2011: Hazard scores Panenka penalty and is nominated for UEFA Team of the Year
On December 3, 2011, Eden Hazard scored a memorable penalty in an Antonín Panenka-style chip during Lille's 1-0 win against Ajaccio. Two days later, he was nominated for UEFA's Team of the Year for the 2011 calendar year.
June 2012: Hazard's Transfer to Chelsea
In June 2012, Eden Hazard's talent led him to sign with Chelsea, marking a significant step in his career and setting the stage for numerous achievements.
June 2012: Hazard signs for Chelsea
In June 2012, Eden Hazard signed for Premier League club Chelsea from Lille for a reported transfer fee of £32 million.
September 2012: Champions League Debut
Eden Hazard made his Champions League debut for Chelsea against Juventus in September 2012.
November 2012: Hazard Signs Sponsorship Deal with Nike
In November 2012, Eden Hazard secured a sponsorship agreement with sportswear giant Nike, joining a star-studded roster of athletes. He featured in an advertisement campaign for the Nike Green Speed II alongside notable players such as Mario Götze, Theo Walcott, Raheem Sterling, Christian Eriksen, and Stephan El Shaarawy.
2012: Thorgan Hazard Joins Chelsea
Following in his brother's footsteps, Thorgan Hazard joined Eden at Chelsea in 2012, showcasing the family's shared passion for football.
2012: Hazard Marries Natacha Van Honacker
Eden Hazard married Natacha Van Honacker in 2012.
2012: Hazard's Contract Extension with Lille
Eden Hazard's impressive performances for Lille led to a contract extension in November 2008, securing his future with the club until 2012.
January 2013: Controversial Incident and Red Card
In January 2013, during a League Cup semi-final against Swansea City, Hazard was sent off for kicking the ball from under a ball boy who was delaying the game. Although he apologized, this incident caused controversy.
February 2013: Impactful Substitute Appearances
Throughout February 2013, Hazard showcased his talent by coming on as a substitute and making significant contributions, including scoring vital goals and providing an assist in a game against Manchester United.
October 2013: Key Player for Chelsea and Ballon d'Or Nomination
Hazard played a vital role in Chelsea's 2013 UEFA Super Cup game against Bayern Munich, scoring a goal. His impressive performance throughout the year earned him a nomination for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or.
November 2013: Clutch Performances and Praise from Mourinho
In November 2013, Hazard scored a last-minute penalty to secure a draw for Chelsea. His consistently excellent form drew high praise from coach José Mourinho, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
2013: Comparisons to Enzo Scifo and Gianfranco Zola
Eden Hazard's remarkable talent and rise in Belgian football drew comparisons to former Belgian international Enzo Scifo, who recognized his potential early on. Additionally, former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola saw similarities between himself and Hazard in 2019, a sentiment previously expressed by Hazard's former teammate Frank Lampard in 2013.
2013: Comparison to Gareth Bale's Transfer
Hazard's transfer fee made him Real Madrid's most expensive player since Gareth Bale's arrival in 2013, emphasizing his market value and the club's ambition to acquire top talent.
February 2014: First Premier League Hat-trick
Hazard achieved a significant career milestone by scoring his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United in February 2014.
April 2014: PFA Awards and Criticism from Mourinho
Eden Hazard was recognized for his talent in April 2014, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award and finishing as runner-up for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. However, he also faced criticism from Mourinho for his defensive contributions.
October 2014: Perfect Penalty Record and Surprise Header Goal
Hazard continued his impressive penalty record, converting a penalty against Arsenal in a 2-0 win. He also surprised many, including his manager, by scoring a rare header goal in December 2014.
2014: Hazard's Triumph in the Football League Cup and Premier League
Eden Hazard's contributions were instrumental in Chelsea's victories in the Football League Cup and Premier League in the 2014-2015 season, showcasing his exceptional skills and solidifying his status as a top player.
2014: First league goal of the 2013-14 season for Lille
On December 20, 2014, Eden Hazard scored his first league goal of the season for Lille in a 3-0 win against Le Mans. He also assisted the other two goals in the game.
2014: Hazard Represents Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals
Eden Hazard was an integral part of the Belgian squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his skills on the global stage.
2014: Hazard's Rise to World-Class Status at Chelsea
By 2014, Eden Hazard had established himself as a world-class player during his time at Chelsea. Primarily deployed as a left midfielder, he excelled in cutting into the center and unleashing powerful strikes with his right foot. His exceptional performances earned him accolades and praise, with manager José Mourinho hailing him as a top player with the potential to become the best in the world.
February 2015: New Contract and League Cup Victory
Hazard's commitment to Chelsea was strengthened with a new five-and-a-half-year contract. He played a crucial role in their victory against Tottenham in the 2015 League Cup final.
2015: Hazard Assumes Belgium Captaincy
Eden Hazard's leadership qualities were recognized as he was appointed captain of the Belgium national team in 2015.
2015: Hazard signs a new contract with Lille
In March 2011, Lille officials confirmed that Eden Hazard had signed a new contract with the club until 2015, making him the highest-paid player in Ligue 1.
2015: Difficult Start and Penalty Miss
The 2015-2016 season proved challenging for Hazard initially. He missed a crucial penalty in a Champions League game and was the only player to miss during a penalty shootout against Stoke City in the League Cup.
January 2016: Ending the Scoring Drought
After a challenging period without scoring, Hazard ended his goal drought in January 2016, converting a penalty during a FA Cup match against Milton Keynes Dons, marking his 50th goal for the club.
March 2016: Hazard Stars in Lotus Bakeries Ad Campaign
Starting in March 2016, Eden Hazard became the face of an advertising campaign for Belgium-based Lotus Bakeries, promoting their Biscoff biscuit range. The advertisement showcased his football skills with a captivating scene of him successfully executing a free kick, sending the ball through a narrow gap created among 10,000 cups.
May 2016: Hazard's Key Contributions for Chelsea
In May 2016, Eden Hazard played a crucial role for Chelsea despite a challenging season. He ended his goal drought with two goals against Bournemouth and scored the equalizing goal against Tottenham, indirectly contributing to Leicester City's title win. He also scored against Liverpool, though Chelsea couldn't secure a victory.
August 2016: Strong Start to the Season for Hazard
August 2016 marked a strong start for Hazard as he returned to form. He scored a penalty in Chelsea's opening win against West Ham and earned praise for his performance against Burnley, scoring the first goal in a decisive win. He was publicly voted Player of the Month, highlighting his resurgence.
October 2016: Hazard's Scoring Streak and Recognition
October 2016 was a remarkable month for Hazard. He scored in a win dedicated to his teammate Willian and matched his previous season's league goals against Manchester United. He continued his scoring streak, netting in three consecutive games, including a brace against Everton. This form earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award.
December 2016: Record-Breaking Win and Milestone Goal for Hazard
December 2016 saw Hazard contribute to Chelsea's record-breaking 12th consecutive league victory, scoring his 50th Premier League goal, a significant individual achievement.
2016: Graffiti of Hazard Unveiled at Training Center
In 2016, a painted segment of the Berlin Wall, adorned with a graffiti artwork of Eden Hazard created by French artist C215, was unveiled and put on display inside Lille OSC's Domaine de Luchin training center.
2016: Euro 2016 Captaincy, Goal, and Assists
Hazard captained Belgium at Euro 2016, where he scored a goal against Hungary in the Round of 16. While Belgium were eliminated by Wales in the quarter-finals, he finished as the joint-top assist provider of the tournament alongside Aaron Ramsey, with four assists.
2016: Hazard's Second Premier League Title
Eden Hazard celebrated his second Premier League title victory with Chelsea in the 2016-2017 season, adding another accomplishment to his growing list of honors.
June 2017: Hazard Becomes Part-Owner of San Diego 1904 FC
In June 2017, Eden Hazard expanded his horizons beyond playing football by becoming a part-owner of San Diego 1904 FC, an expansion franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL), set to begin play in 2018. He joined fellow footballers Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow in this venture.
2017: Injury and Return to Action
In 2017, Hazard faced a setback due to an ankle injury during international duty, sidelining him for crucial pre-season preparations. However, he marked his return later in the year with appearances for Chelsea's U23 side.
January 2018: Reaching 100 League Goals
January 2018 marked a significant milestone for Hazard as he reached 100 league goals in his career. He scored against Arsenal and then achieved this feat with a double against Brighton, showcasing his consistency and goal-scoring prowess.
August 2018: Strong Start to the Season with Goals and Penalty
Hazard started the 2018-19 season on a high, scoring a penalty in a win against Newcastle. This marked a positive start and highlighted his importance to the team's attack.
September 2018: Impressive Form and Player of the Month Award
September 2018 saw Hazard continue his impressive form, scoring crucial goals against Liverpool and other teams. His five league goals earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award, solidifying his position as a key player.
2018: Individual Accolades and Recognition
Throughout 2018, Hazard's performances earned him several individual accolades, including a place in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 and the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award, highlighting his impact on the field.
2018: Hazard's Goal Celebration and Versatility on the Pitch
Known for his trademark goal celebration of sliding on his knees, Eden Hazard transitioned to celebrating goals by staying on his feet in 2018. While his preferred position was as a left winger, he exhibited versatility as an attacker, often being deployed as a second striker, lone striker, or even a false-9. Beyond his attacking prowess, he was also recognized for his accuracy in taking penalties and free kicks.
2018: FA Cup Triumph
In the 2018 FA Cup final, Hazard played a decisive role by winning and converting a penalty, securing Chelsea's victory against Manchester United.
2018: Hazard Becomes Part-Owner of San Diego 1904 FC
In June 2017, Eden Hazard expanded his horizons beyond playing football by becoming a part-owner of San Diego 1904 FC, an expansion franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL), set to begin play in 2018. He joined fellow footballers Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow in this venture.
2018: Silver Ball Award at the 2018 World Cup
Hazard's outstanding performances throughout the 2018 World Cup earned him the Silver Ball award as the tournament's second-best player. He was recognized for his dribbling skills, three goals, two assists, and three man of the match awards.
2018: Captaincy and Impressive Performances at the 2018 World Cup
Hazard captained Belgium at the 2018 World Cup, delivering exceptional performances. He scored two goals in the group stage against Tunisia, one of which was a penalty that marked the team's second-fastest goal in World Cup history. He was named man of the match for his displays against Tunisia and Japan.
2018: Hazard's FA Cup Victory and FIFA Recognition
Eden Hazard's exceptional performance in 2018 earned him a spot in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11, recognizing his global standing as one of the best footballers.
2018: Hazard Captains Belgium to Historic World Cup Finish
Eden Hazard captained the Belgium national team to their best-ever World Cup finish in 2018, securing third place and earning the Silver Ball as the tournament's second-best player.
April 2019: Goal of the Month and Europa League Final
April 2019 saw Hazard score a memorable solo goal against West Ham, later voted as the Premier League Goal of the Month. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea's journey to the Europa League final, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt.
May 2019: Europa League Triumph and Departure from Chelsea
In May 2019, Hazard helped Chelsea secure the Europa League title with a win over Arsenal, contributing two goals and an assist. Afterward, he announced his decision to leave Chelsea after seven years, seeking new challenges in his career.
June 2019: Signing with Real Madrid
In June 2019, Hazard fulfilled a childhood dream by signing with Real Madrid, joining for a reported fee of €100 million, potentially rising to €146.1 million. This move marked a significant chapter in his career.
September 2019: Real Madrid Debut
In September 2019, Eden Hazard made his debut for Real Madrid, coming on as a substitute in a La Liga victory against Levante.
2019: Hazard Featured on FIFA Video Game Covers
Eden Hazard's global recognition in football led to his appearance on the cover of EA Sports' FIFA video game, FIFA 15, in Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, and France, sharing the spotlight with Lionel Messi. In 2019, he was chosen as the new face of the FIFA franchise, succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo, and graced the cover of the regular edition of FIFA 20.
2019: Comparisons to Enzo Scifo and Gianfranco Zola
Eden Hazard's remarkable talent and rise in Belgian football drew comparisons to former Belgian international Enzo Scifo, who recognized his potential early on. Additionally, former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola saw similarities between himself and Hazard in 2019, a sentiment previously expressed by Hazard's former teammate Frank Lampard in 2013.
2019: Hazard's Second Europa League Triumph with Chelsea
In 2019, Eden Hazard once again played a key role in Chelsea's Europa League victory, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
October 2020: First Goal in Over a Year
Eden Hazard scored his first goal in over a year in October 2020, during Real Madrid's home win against Huesca.
January 2021: Goal Against Alavés
Hazard scored during Real Madrid's away win against Alavés in January 2021.
May 2021: Apology and Goal Against Sevilla
In May 2021, Hazard issued an apology for his behavior after Real Madrid's loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. He also scored a goal against Sevilla, although Real Madrid ultimately did not win.
2021: Competition and Setbacks
In the 2021-2022 season, Hazard faced competition for his spot on the team and struggled with injuries and illness.
January 2022: First Goal of the Season
Hazard scored his first goal of the 2021-22 season in January 2022, securing a win against Elche in the Copa del Rey.
September 2022: Assist and 200th Career Goal
Hazard assisted a goal and scored his 200th career goal during a Champions League victory against Celtic in September 2022. This would ultimately be his last career goal.
December 2022: Hazard Announces Retirement from International Football
Following Belgium's elimination from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31.
2022: End of Hazard's Captaincy for Belgium
After a successful tenure, Eden Hazard's time as captain of the Belgium national team came to an end in 2022.
2022: Hazard Contributes to World Cup Qualification Campaign
During Belgium's 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, Eden Hazard played a key role, showcasing his playmaking abilities with an assist in a resounding 5-2 victory over Estonia and a goal in a 3-0 triumph against the Czech Republic. His performances earned him praise from Belgium manager Roberto Martínez.
March 2023: Strained Relationship and Departure
In March 2023, Hazard revealed that he and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti were no longer on speaking terms. A few months later, Hazard and Real Madrid agreed to terminate his contract, ending his time with the club.
June 2023: Hazard's Departure from Real Madrid
Eden Hazard's time with Real Madrid came to an end in June 2023, marking the final chapter of his professional football career.
October 2023: Retirement
Three months after leaving Real Madrid, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football in October 2023.
March 2024: Lille OSC Renames Training Pitch After Hazard
As a tribute to Eden Hazard's significant contributions to the club, Lille OSC decided to rename the main pitch at their Domaine de Luchin training center after him in March 2024. The newly christened "Terrain Eden Hazard" (Eden Hazard pitch) was inaugurated in a special ceremony attended by Hazard himself, his family, former teammates, academy players, and devoted supporters.
June 2024: Contract Duration
Hazard's contract with Real Madrid was set to run until June 2024, outlining the club's long-term investment in his abilities.