History of Eden Hazard in Timeline

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Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard is a retired Belgian professional footballer renowned for his skills as a winger and attacking midfielder. He played for Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Belgium national team. Widely considered among the best players of his generation, Hazard was celebrated for his exceptional dribbling, technical ability, creativity, and playmaking skills on the field. His career peaked at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles and individual awards. While his time at Real Madrid was hampered by injuries, his legacy as a world-class footballer remains secure.

1904: San Diego 1904 FC Founded

In June 2017, Eden Hazard became a part-owner of San Diego 1904 FC.

1945: Lille's last double

In 1945, Lille last achieved the double prior to the 2011 win.

1953: Lille's last Ligue 1 Title

In 1953, Lille last achieved the Ligue 1 title prior to the 2011 win.

1955: Lille's last Coupe de France Final Appearance

In 1955, Lille last appeared in the Coupe de France final before their 2011 appearance.

1966: World Cup Dribbling Record

In a 2018 World Cup quarter-final game, Eden Hazard set a World Cup record since 1966 for successful dribbles completed in a single match, with a 100% success rate in ten dribbles.

January 1991: Born in La Louvière

In January 1991, Eden Hazard was born in La Louvière, Belgium, into a family with a strong background in football.

January 1991: Eden Hazard's Birth

In January 1991, Eden Michael Walter Hazard was born, marking the beginning of the life of the Belgian footballer who would be known for his skills as a winger or attacking midfielder.

1994: Young Player of the Year inception

In 1994, the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award was established.

2000: Belgium Co-hosts Euro 2000

In 2000, Belgium co-hosted Euro 2000.

2005: Joined Lille

In 2005, Eden Hazard joined Lille and began developing in the club's local sports school.

May 2007: Signed First Professional Contract

In May 2007, Eden Hazard signed his first professional contract with Lille, securing a three-year deal.

September 2007: Amateur Debut

In September 2007, Eden Hazard made his amateur debut in a league match against Racing Club de France, appearing as a second-half substitute.

September 2007: Hazard at the FIFA U-17 World Cup

In September 2007, after playing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in August, Hazard began earning call-ups to the under-19 team in October.

2007: Belgium qualifies for 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup

In 2007, Belgium qualified for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup after finishing third at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

2007: Hazard participates in 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship

In 2007, Hazard played in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, scoring a goal in the opening match against the Netherlands.

2007: Started Career with Lille

In 2007, at the age of 16, Eden Hazard began his senior career with Lille, a Ligue 1 club, quickly establishing himself as a key player.

May 2008: First Amateur Goal

In May 2008, Eden Hazard scored his first amateur goal in a 3–2 victory over Vitré.

October 2008: Hazard scores first under-19 goal

On October 7, 2008, Hazard scored his first under-19 goal in a 5–0 victory over Estonia. Three days later, he scored a double against Croatia.

November 2008: Contract Extension with Lille

In November 2008, Eden Hazard agreed to a three-year contract extension with Lille, committing himself to the club until 2012.

November 2008: Senior Debut for Belgium

In November 2008, at the age of 17, Eden Hazard made his senior debut for the Belgium national team, starting his international career.

November 2008: Hazard called up to Belgium senior team

On November 18, 2008, Hazard was called up to the Belgium senior team for the first time.

2008: Transfer Speculation

Following the 2008-09 season, constant media speculation linked Eden Hazard with a move to various top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

2008: Hazard plays for U-19 Team

In 2008, Hazard played in the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification match against Romania.

August 2009: Hazard makes first start for Belgium

On August 12, 2009, Hazard made his first start for Belgium in a friendly loss to the Czech Republic.

November 2009: Hazard plays full match and assists two goals

On November 14, 2009, Hazard played a full match for the first time and assisted two goals in a 3–0 win against Hungary.

2009: Scored in Europa League

In 2009, Eden Hazard scored a goal in Lille's first competitive match of the season, contributing to a 2–0 victory against FK Sevojno in the Europa League.

2009: Father's Retirement

In 2009, Eden Hazard's father, Thierry, retired from his position as a sports teacher to dedicate more time to his children's football careers.

2009: Hazard allowed to play in 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship

In 2009, Hazard was only allowed to play in 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification matches by his club.

2009: Hazard leads team in goals at elite qualification round

In 2009, during the elite qualification round, Hazard led the team in goals scoring three.

May 2010: Advocaat replaced by Georges Leekens

In May 2010, Advocaat was replaced as manager by Georges Leekens.

November 2010: Hazard assists goal against Russia

In November 2010, Hazard assisted the opening goal in Belgium's 2–0 win against Russia.

2010: Won First Premier League Title

A week later, in 2015 Hazard scored the only goal as Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace to win their first Premier League title since 2010.

2010: Struggled with Inconsistency

In 2010, Eden Hazard experienced a period of inconsistency, leading to him being benched by Lille's manager in an effort to improve his performances.

2010: Ligue 1 Player of the Year

In 2010, Eden Hazard was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year, becoming the youngest player to ever win the award at the time.

2010: Criticism from Leekens

In 2010, former Belgium national team manager Georges Leekens questioned Eden Hazard's work-rate.

February 2011: Reflection on Comments

In February 2011, Eden Hazard reflected on comments made by both the Belgium national team manager and Lille's manager, stating that he learned a lot mentally and improved as a result.

February 2011: Hazard starts in draw with Finland

In February 2011, Hazard started in the team's 1–1 draw with Finland.

March 2011: Hazard relegated to the bench

In March 2011, Hazard was relegated to the substitute's bench for important UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches.

June 2011: Burgergate Incident

In June 2011, during a match against Turkey, Eden Hazard was substituted and, disappointed, left the stadium to eat a hamburger with his family. This incident, dubbed "Burgergate," led to an apology from Hazard and was dismissed by his manager as a young player's mistake.

October 2011: First International Goal

On October 7, 2011, Eden Hazard scored his first international goal for Belgium in a 4–1 victory against Kazakhstan, helping the team's Euro 2012 qualifying efforts.

2011: Scored in Draw Against Sochaux

In 2011, Eden Hazard converted a penalty in Lille's league match against Sochaux, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

2011: Trophée des Champions and Champions League Debut

In 2011, Eden Hazard scored in the Trophée des Champions against Marseille, and later made his UEFA Champions League debut against CSKA Moscow.

2011: New Contract and Goal vs Marseille

In 2011, Eden Hazard signed a new contract with Lille, becoming the highest-paid player in Ligue 1, and scored a remarkable goal against Marseille shortly after.

2011: Coupe de France and Ligue 1 Title

In 2011, Eden Hazard won the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 title with Lille, marking the club's first league championship since the 1953-54 season.

2011: Role at Lille

In 2011, following the departures of fellow playmakers Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho, Lille's manager Rudi Garcia played Eden Hazard in a creative role as a central attacking midfielder during the 2011-12 season.

June 2012: Agreed to Terms with Chelsea

In June 2012, Eden Hazard agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, passed a medical examination and completed his transfer from Lille for a reported fee of £32 million.

June 2012: Signed for Chelsea

In June 2012, Eden Hazard signed with English club Chelsea, marking a significant move in his career.

September 2012: Champions League Debut for Chelsea

On September 19, 2012, Eden Hazard made his Champions League debut for Chelsea in the team's opening group stage game against Juventus.

November 2012: Nike Sponsorship

In November 2012, Eden Hazard appeared in an advert for the Nike Green Speed II alongside other football players.

2012: Ended Debut Campaign at Chelsea

Eden Hazard ended his debut campaign at Chelsea in 2012 with 13 goals in all competitions.

2012: Marriage to Natacha Van Honacker

In 2012, Eden Hazard married Natacha Van Honacker.

2012: Thorgan Joined Chelsea

In 2012, Eden Hazard's brother, Thorgan, joined him at Chelsea, marking a family connection within the club.

2012: Contract End Date

In 2012, Eden Hazard's contract with Lille was set to expire.

2012: Euro 2012 Qualifying

In 2012, Hazard and Belgium failed to qualify for the Euro 2012 tournament after losing to Germany.

2012: UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches

In March 2011, Hazard was relegated to the substitute's bench for important UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches.

January 2013: Scored a Goal Against Stoke City

In January 2013, Hazard scored a goal with his left-foot from 25 yards in Chelsea's 4-0 win over Stoke City.

February 2013: Scored Individual Goal Against Sparta Prague

In February 2013, Eden Hazard scored an individual goal in stoppage time against Sparta Prague, sending Chelsea through to the last 16.

October 2013: Nominated for FIFA Ballon d'Or

In October 2013, Eden Hazard was nominated for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or, awarded to the player voted as the world's best.

November 2013: Scored a Last Minute Penalty Against West Bromwich Albion

On November 9, 2013, Eden Hazard scored a last-minute penalty against West Bromwich Albion to clinch a point for Chelsea.

2013: Comparison to Zola

In 2013, Frank Lampard likened Eden Hazard to Gianfranco Zola.

2013: Gareth Bale transfer

In 2013, Gareth Bale was signed for €101 million.

February 2014: Scored First Premier League Hat-Trick

In February 2014, Eden Hazard scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle United at home.

April 2014: Won PFA Young Player of the Year Award

On April 27, 2014, Eden Hazard won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for his attacking performances under José Mourinho.

May 2014: 2014 World Cup Selection

In May 2014, Eden Hazard was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

October 2014: Won a Penalty Against Arsenal

On October 5, 2014, Eden Hazard won a penalty against Arsenal, and converted it himself to secure a 2-0 victory, making Chelsea the last unbeaten team in the league. He also maintained his 100% penalty record out of 16 penalties.

2014: Recognized as One of the Top Three Players in the World

As a result of Hazard's impressive performances throughout the 2014-15 season, his manager declared him "one of the top three players in the world".

2014: Won Football League Cup and Premier League

In 2014, Eden Hazard aided Chelsea in winning the Football League Cup and the Premier League.

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification Campaign

In 2014, Eden Hazard played a crucial role in Belgium's successful 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, scoring twice during the campaign.

2014: Reached World Cup Quarter-Finals

In 2014, Eden Hazard was part of the Belgian squad that reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

2014: Contract end date

In 2014, Eden Hazard's contract with Lille was set to expire.

2014: Chelsea Performance

In 2014, Eden Hazard's development into one of the world's best players was highlighted during the 2014–15 season while at Chelsea, with Manager José Mourinho praising him.

February 2015: Signed New Contract with Chelsea

On February 12, 2015, Eden Hazard signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea.

June 2015: Captained Belgium for the First Time

In June 2015, Eden Hazard captained Belgium for the first time in a friendly against France, also scoring a penalty in the 4–3 victory.

2015: Difficult Start to the Season

Eden Hazard endured a difficult start to the 2015–16 season, missing a penalty in the Champions League group stage against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

2015: Captain of Belgium National Team

In 2015, Eden Hazard became the captain of the Belgium national team.

2015: New contract until 2015

In 2015, it was agreed that Hazard had signed a new contract until 2015.

January 2016: Scored 50th Goal for Chelsea

On January 31, 2016, Eden Hazard scored his 50th goal for Chelsea in all competitions, from the penalty spot in a 5–1 win over Milton Keynes Dons.

March 2016: Lotus Bakeries Advertisement

Since March 2016, Eden Hazard has been featured in adverts for Lotus Bakeries, promoting their Biscoff biscuit range.

May 2016: Scored Goal Against Liverpool

On May 11, 2016, Eden Hazard scored his fourth and final league goal of the season against Liverpool, in a 1-1 draw.

August 2016: Scored Penalty Against West Ham United

On August 15, 2016, Eden Hazard scored a penalty in Chelsea's opening Premier League match of the season, in a 2-1 win over West Ham United.

October 2016: Named Premier League Player of the Month

In October 2016, Eden Hazard was named the Premier League Player of the Month.

December 2016: Scored 50th Premier League Goal

On December 26, 2016, Eden Hazard scored a penalty for his 50th Premier League goal, making him the sixth Chelsea player to reach this milestone.

2016: Euro 2016

In 2016, Eden Hazard captained Belgium at Euro 2016 and scored a solo goal against Hungary. He also finished as one of the top assist providers of the tournament.

2016: Reached Euro Quarter-Finals

In 2016, Eden Hazard was a member of the Belgian squad that reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro.

2016: Second English League Title

In 2016, Eden Hazard won his second English league title when Chelsea won the Premier League.

2016: Berlin Wall Segment Displayed

Previously, in 2016, a painted segment of the Berlin Wall with a graffiti of Eden Hazard made by French artist C215 was unveiled and is on display inside the centre.

April 2017: Named in PFA Team of the Year

On April 20, 2017, Eden Hazard was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the fourth time in his five seasons at Chelsea.

June 2017: Part-Owner of San Diego 1904 FC

On June 26, 2017, Eden Hazard became a part-owner of the expansion North American Soccer League franchise San Diego 1904 FC.

2017: Ankle Injury During International Duty

In the summer of 2017, Eden Hazard suffered an ankle injury in training during international duty, ruling him out for six to eight weeks.

January 2018: Scored in Draw with Arsenal

On January 3, 2018, Eden Hazard scored in a 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal.

August 2018: Hazard scores penalty against Newcastle United

On August 26, 2018, Hazard scored on his first start of the 2018–19 season, converting a penalty in a 2–1 win against Newcastle United.

September 2018: Hazard wins Premier League Player of the Month

In September 2018, Hazard's five league goals, including goals against Bournemouth, Cardiff and Liverpool, led to him winning the Premier League Player of the Month award.

2018: Silver Ball Award

At the end of the 2018 World Cup, Eden Hazard was awarded the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament. He also had the most man of the match awards.

2018: 2018 World Cup

In 2018, Eden Hazard captained Belgium at the World Cup in Russia, assisting and scoring crucial goals, including two against Tunisia. He was also named man of the match twice.

2018: World Cup Third Place and Silver Ball

In 2018, Eden Hazard captained Belgium to a third-place finish at the World Cup and received the Silver Ball as the tournament's second-best player.

2018: Hazard Included in FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11

In 2018, Eden Hazard was included in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 for his exceptional performances.

2018: San Diego 1904 FC to Begin Play

In 2018, San Diego 1904 FC was set to begin playing.

2018: Scored Winning Goal in FA Cup Final

In the 2018 FA Cup final on May 19, Eden Hazard scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute as Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0.

2018: Goal Celebration

Since 2018, Eden Hazard has modified his goal celebration from sliding on his knees to staying on his feet.

March 2019: 100th Cap for Belgium

In March 2019, Eden Hazard earned his 100th cap for Belgium during a Euro 2020 qualifier against Cyprus, also scoring in the match.

April 2019: Hazard scores Premier League Goal of the Month

On April 8, 2019, Hazard scored a solo goal against West Ham United which was voted as Premier League Goal of the Month for April.

May 2019: Hazard wins Europa League with Chelsea

In May 2019, specifically on the 9th, Hazard scored the decisive penalty in a shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt, sending Chelsea to the Europa League final. On May 29, Chelsea won the 2018–19 Europa League, with Hazard scoring twice.

June 2019: Hazard signs for Real Madrid

On June 7, 2019, Real Madrid announced the signing of Hazard for the 2019–20 season. He signed a contract until June 30, 2024.

September 2019: Hazard makes debut for Real Madrid

On September 14, 2019, Hazard made his debut for Real Madrid in a 3–2 victory over Levante.

2019: New Face of FIFA

In 2019, Eden Hazard became the new face of the FIFA video game franchise, appearing as the cover star of FIFA 20.

2019: Won Europa League and Joined Real Madrid

In 2019, Eden Hazard won the Europa League again with Chelsea and then joined Real Madrid in a high-profile transfer.

2019: Comparison to Zola

In 2019, former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola likened Eden Hazard to himself, a view previously expressed by Frank Lampard in 2013.

October 2020: Hazard scores first goal for Real Madrid in over a year

On October 31, 2020, Hazard scored his first club goal in over a year in Madrid's 4–1 win over Huesca.

2020: Euro 2020 Qualification

In 2020, Eden Hazard captained Belgium to become the first team to qualify for the Euro 2020 tournament.

2020: Reached Euro Quarter-Finals

In 2020, Eden Hazard participated in the Euro 2020.

January 2021: Hazard scores against Alavés

On January 23, 2021, Hazard scored in a 4–1 away win at Alavés.

May 2021: Selected for Euro 2020 Squad

In May 2021, Eden Hazard was selected for the Belgium squad for Euro 2020.

May 2021: Hazard apologises for laughing after Champions League defeat

On May 5, 2021, Hazard apologised for laughing with former teammates after Real Madrid's defeat to Chelsea. Four days later, in May 2021, he scored against Sevilla.

2021: Hazard faces competition from Vinícius Júnior

In the 2021–22 season, Hazard faced competition from Vinícius Júnior, impacting his playing time.

January 2022: Hazard scores Copa del Rey winner against Elche

On January 20, 2022, Hazard scored his first goal of the season, a 115th-minute winner against Elche in the Copa del Rey.

September 2022: Hazard scores 200th career goal

On September 6, 2022, Hazard scored his 200th career goal in a Champions League game against Celtic.

December 2022: Retirement from National Team

In December 2022, following Belgium's exit at the 2022 World Cup, Eden Hazard announced his retirement from the national team at the age of 31.

2022: 2022 World Cup Qualification

In 2022, Eden Hazard participated in Belgium's 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, contributing with assists and goals.

2022: End of Captaincy of Belgium National Team

In 2022, Eden Hazard was no longer the captain of the Belgium national team.

March 2023: Hazard reveals broken relationship with Ancelotti

In March 2023, Hazard revealed that his relationship with Ancelotti had "completely broken down".

June 2023: Departed Real Madrid

In June 2023, Eden Hazard departed Real Madrid after a period marked by injuries and inconsistent performances.

October 2023: Hazard announces retirement from professional football

On October 10, 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football at age 32.

March 2024: Lille OSC Renames Training Pitch After Hazard

On March 10, 2024, Lille OSC renamed its Domaine de Luchin training centre main pitch after Eden Hazard, inaugurating the "Terrain Eden Hazard".

June 2024: End date of Real Madrid contract.

June 30, 2024, was the end date of the contract that Hazard signed with Real Madrid on June 7, 2019.