Eden Hazard‘s journey in the world of football is nothing short of incredible. From his humble beginnings in Belgium to becoming one of the most revered players in the sport, Hazard has faced trials and overcome challenges to achieve remarkable triumphs.
Early Years and Rise to Prominence:
Born on January 7, 1991, in La Louvière, Belgium, Eden Hazard began his football journey at a young age. He showcased exceptional talent and skill, catching the attention of scouts and coaches early on. Hazard joined the youth academy of Belgian club Lille OSC, where he honed his skills and developed as a player.
Trials and Development:
While Hazard possessed immense talent, his path to success was not without its trials. As a young player, he faced numerous challenges, including doubts about his physicality and concerns about his commitment to training. However, Hazard’s determination and love for the game propelled him forward.
Breakthrough at Lille OSC:
In 2007, at the age of 16, Eden Hazard made his professional debut for Lille OSC. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club and played a pivotal role in their success. Hazard’s skillful dribbling, creativity, and ability to score goals caught the attention of football fans and scouts worldwide.
Ligue 1 Triumph and Individual Honors:
Hazard’s breakthrough season came in 2010-2011 when Lille OSC won the Ligue 1 title, ending the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. Hazard played a central role in their triumph, contributing with his goals, assists, and overall impact on the pitch. His performances earned him widespread recognition and individual honors, including the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.
Move to Chelsea FC and Premier League Success:
In 2012, Eden Hazard made a high-profile move to Chelsea FC in the English Premier League. The transfer fee made him one of the most expensive players at the time. Hazard’s time at Chelsea was marked by incredible success. He became an integral part of the team’s attack, playing a key role in their two Premier League title wins (2014-2015 and 2016-2017). Hazard’s skill, speed, and ability to change games single-handedly made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge.
Individual Accolades and International Success:
During his tenure at Chelsea, Eden Hazard received numerous individual accolades, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award. He consistently performed at a high level, showcasing his technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess.
Hazard’s success was not limited to club football. He has been a vital figure for the Belgian national team, representing his country in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Hazard played a crucial role in Belgium’s impressive third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his leadership and ability to shine on the world stage.
Move to Real Madrid and La Liga Triumph:
In 2019, Eden Hazard realized his dream by signing for Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. Despite battling injuries that limited his playing time, Hazard contributed to Real Madrid’s success in winning the 2019-2020 La Liga title. His technical skills, vision, and experience added a new dimension to the team’s attack.
Travails:
- Inconsistent Performances: Throughout his career, Eden Hazard has faced criticism for his inconsistency on the pitch. While he possesses immense talent and skill, there have been periods where his form has dipped, leading to questions about his work ethic and dedication. This inconsistency has sometimes prevented him from reaching his full potential and delivering consistent performances.
- Injuries: Eden Hazard has been plagued by various injuries throughout his career, particularly during his time with Real Madrid. These injuries have included ankle problems, muscle strains, and fractures. These physical setbacks have not only hampered his ability to perform at his best but have also limited his playing time, preventing him from making a consistent impact for his club and country.
- Weight Issues: Another challenge Eden Hazard has faced is criticism regarding his weight and physical condition. At times, he has appeared out of shape, leading to concerns about his professionalism and commitment to maintaining peak fitness. While this issue has improved in recent years, it has been a point of contention throughout his career.
Triumphs:
- Lille OSC: Eden Hazard began his professional career at Lille OSC in France. He quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents in Ligue 1 and played a crucial role in helping the club win the league title in the 2010-2011 season. Lille’s triumph not only broke the dominance of Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon but also showcased Hazard’s ability to perform at the highest level and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
- Chelsea FC: In 2012, Hazard made a high-profile move to Chelsea FC in the English Premier League. During his time at the club, he experienced tremendous success, becoming an integral part of the team’s attack. Hazard won numerous trophies with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles, two UEFA Europa League titles, and an FA Cup. His performances were crucial in securing these achievements, and he often provided match-winning contributions with his goals and assists.
- Individual Accolades: Hazard’s performances at Chelsea earned him several individual accolades, further solidifying his status as one of the top players of his generation. He was named the PFA Young Player of the Year on two occasions and received the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Additionally, he was recognized as the FWA Footballer of the Year and won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award. These honors underscored his impact on the field and his ability to consistently excel.
- Real Madrid: In 2019, Hazard fulfilled a long-held dream by signing for Real Madrid, one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. While injuries have hindered his progress at the club, he still played a part in winning the 2019-2020 La Liga title, contributing with his skill, creativity, and experience. Hazard’s move to Real Madrid demonstrated the recognition of his talent by one of the most illustrious clubs in the sport.
- Belgian National Team: Throughout his career, Eden Hazard has been a key figure for the Belgian national team. He has represented his country in multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Hazard played a crucial role in Belgium’s historic third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, contributing with goals, assists, and overall impactful performances.
