Eden Hazard is enjoying a relaxed and fulfilling life after football, finding contentment in family and simple pleasures. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star, speaking with The Guardian, says he’s embracing a slower pace, far removed from the pressures of professional competition.
Now based in Madrid with his wife and five children, Hazard prioritizes stability and family time. “Life goes by very quickly, especially in football. Yesterday I was 19, today I’m 35. You have to enjoy your time in all aspects of life,” he explained.
The Belgian international, who retired in October 2023 after a 15-year career that included stints with Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, has fully embraced a new routine. He’s traded the training ground for school runs, jokingly describing himself as “more of a taxi driver than a footballer” these days, but insists he’s perfectly content with the change.
“When you play, you travel all the time. When you stop, you finally have time for your family, without stress. My life is now simpler: I stay at home and enjoy the simple things with my wife and children,” Hazard said.
Looking back on his career, Hazard also reflected on the differences between the Premier League and La Liga. “The Premier League is more physical, you never stop running. In La Liga, it’s more technical. At Madrid, you can manage the match. In England, you have to go all out for 90 minutes.”
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Relationship with José Mourinho
Hazard also shared a story about his time under José Mourinho at Chelsea. He recounted an incident where he missed training after losing his passport while visiting Lille. “I wasn’t allowed to come back to England and I missed training. I had to apologize and I had a very bad time with Mourinho.”
The consequence? “The following week, he took me out of the team and said it was my fault, but the weekend after I was back and it went well.” Despite the occasional clash, Hazard remembers his time with Mourinho fondly. “His passion for football, the way he trusted his players… it was incredible.”
2018 World Cup: A Career Highlight
However, one topic that truly lights up Hazard’s face is his experience with the Belgian national team. The 2018 World Cup remains a career highlight. “It’s not necessarily funny, but the 2018 World Cup was incredible. I had the chance to play with my brother. Being captain of my country was something incredible.”
Belgium’s third-place finish in Russia may not have resulted in a trophy, but it left a lasting impact on a generation of fans. “It was total happiness. We felt that Belgium was incredible during those years. Even if we didn’t win, people say today that we were a better team than France. What makes me proud is what we created all together.”
When asked about his greatest goal, Hazard pointed to his strike against Tottenham in 2016, an equalizer that ultimately helped Leicester City win the Premier League title.
Hazard also fondly remembered winning the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2022, even though he didn’t feature prominently that season. “It’s a great feeling, because you play for the trophies and for the fans. The Champions League is one of the most beautiful trophies to win.”
He considers winning the Premier League to be on the same level. “Winning the Premier League is very difficult, like the Champions League or the World Cup. It’s special because so many teams can win it.”
Hazard doesn’t aspire to footballing legend status. “I just want to be remembered as a good player and a funny guy. I don’t need more.”
Three years into retirement, Eden Hazard appears at peace and happy with his life beyond the pitch.
Eden Hazard as Prime Minister of Belgium?
As a lighthearted aside, Hazard was asked what he would do if he became Prime Minister of Belgium. He already has a plan focused on youth and, unsurprisingly, football.
“Kids today love PlayStation and YouTube,” he said. “My number one rule would be: go play in the street, play football and have fun with your friends. Maybe no school on Friday: just Monday to Thursday, and then we play football all weekend.”
