Belgium’s iconic forward Eden Hazard on Wednesday announced his retirement from international football after his team’s disappointing group-stage exit at the Qatar World Cup 2022.
Belgium's iconic forward Eden Hazard on Wednesday announced his retirement from international football after his team's shocking group-stage exit at the Qatar World Cup 2022. The 31-year-old Real Madrid player featured in all three Group F games of the tournament but failed to add to his international goal-scoring tally as Belgium finished third after beating Canada, losing to Morocco and playing out a goalless draw with Croatia.
Hazard's stats for Belgium 📊 pic.twitter.com/oUMSWSQElX
— LiveScore (@livescore)In 126 games since making his international debut in 2008, Hazard has scored 33 goals. The former Chelsea star aided Belgium in winning the third-place playoff against England and advancing to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, where they fell to eventual champions France.
"Today I turn a page. Thanks for your love," Hazard wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all the joyful moments we have shared since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you….#onestensemble," the Belgium icon added.
Hazard served as the 'King' of Belgium's lauded "golden generation, and was a fan favourite when the team was at its peak. The sensational forward plays for La Liga giants Real Madrid and has a five-year deal with the Los Blancos. The Belgian joined the Spanish giants after a successful stint with Chelsea, where he scored 110 goals from 352 games. He joined the west London club in 2012 after a stint with Lille.
Hazard won the Premier League, Europa League twice, the FA Cup, and the League Cup during his seven seasons with Chelsea. Additionally, he received Chelsea's Player of the Year honour four times.
Following Hazard's retirement from international football, most fans noted that the Belgium legend's career spiralled down since his exit from Chelsea. The forward was marred with a knee injury and also lost the prime form that he held with the Premier League giants. Some supporters also noted that Belgium's 'golden generation' was essentially the prime Eden Hazard era.
Hazard's Belgium teammate Kevin De Bruyne said, "What a journey it has been. Congratulations Capi. You’ll be missed!"
"When you realize that Belgium "golden generation" is just prime Hazard carrying the whole team every single game. When he doesn't, the whole team fell apart. Thank you, idolo," said one Hazard fan on Twitter.
"Can't believe this day has come, the greatest Belgian player of all time has finally retired from International football, close to tears man. You deserved better," wrote another fan.
Here's a look at some of the other reactions:
An incredible player 🇧🇪💫
Thanks for the memories, Eden Hazard ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2cp3N8naYX
When you realize that Belgium “golden generation” is just prime Hazard carrying the whole team every single game. When he doesn’t, the whole team fell apart. Thank you, idolo❤️ https://t.co/KoA1xopd0p
— Zafri (@zafri_amir)Peak Hazard was pure magic ❤️ pic.twitter.com/J8RNInVvFq
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024)Doesn't get more Hazard 🤤 pic.twitter.com/Iy6y6PT70B
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)Don’t be sad it’s over. Be happy that it happened ❤️ Eden Hazard ❤️ pic.twitter.com/maSIv8cKEf
— Danger_🇵🇹 (@Danger_Hazard10)Watch Hazard's best bits from the 2018 when he claimed the adidas Silver Ball award! https://t.co/WUblaD4C0X
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)Nothing will ever top Hazard in 2018, the king of the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/I6Imyy3qvM
— Mod (@CFCMod_)This man is the reason I've obsessed over chelsea sooo much, I liked the club but the true fanboy nature came due to this man and same for the belgium team.
Eden Hazard= Belgium's Golden Generation❤
King👑 pic.twitter.com/yOWuFrb5PF
I don't like to go and look for the best pictures in my phone, BUT THIS MAN DESERVES ALL THE HONORS. ONE OF THE GREATEST, HUMBLE GUY IN THE FOOTBALL WORLD.
You did your country proud.
Enjoy the rest of your career like you always did 🖤 pic.twitter.com/VuOIZ2oRtc
🚨🗣️ | Kevin De Bruyne on Eden Hazard's Belgium 🇧🇪 retirement:
"What a journey it has been. Congratulations Capi. You’ll be missed! ❤️"
Belgian brothers 🥹❤️🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/zSAssobpVy
It was a perfect time at Chelsea. Even fans understood his dream of playing for RM. Who would have imagined that it was the beginning of endless struggles with injury and form. Felt bad for him every season. Chelsea legend forever.
Thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/DunpQWzE9X
This was the last time that Eden Hazard dropped a masterclass in a Belgian shirt 🔥 Words can't describe how magical those ten seconds from 0:50-1:00 were 🪄
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING 💔pic.twitter.com/hJTWgAJH4K
Thank You HAZARD 💙 One's a blue always a blue pic.twitter.com/CRu0PLXE0j
— Idieyri Monthino (@monthino_bigg)retires as Belgium's greatest footballer of all time 🙌 Your prime will forever be special. Thank you for everything EDEN MICHAEL HAZARD 🙏 And yeah, you'll always be famous and loved ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HSIEWd6aUS
— Harsh 🇭🇷 (@Hxrsh21)