Eden Hazard Embraces Quiet Life After Football Stardom
In the serene countryside near Lecce, Italy, far from the roaring crowds of Stamford Bridge and the Bernabéu, Eden Hazard sits relaxed in an armchair, surrounded by vineyards. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid idol, now 35, has traded the frenetic pace of professional football for a slower, more fulfilling existence. "Life goes really fast," Hazard reflects, leaning back with a smile. "Yesterday I was 19, today I'm 35. You have to enjoy it, not just in football but in everything."
From Football Pitch to Family Focus
Since retiring almost three years ago at age 32, following an injury-plagued stint at Real Madrid, Hazard has deliberately stepped away from the spotlight. Many athletes struggle with the void left by the game, but Hazard has found solace in simplicity. "Your family is what helps you," he explains. "My life is simple: I stay home and enjoy the simple things with my wife, kids, and brothers. When you play, you travel constantly, but when you stop, you finally have time for them without the stress."
He still resides in Madrid, a choice driven by family, weather, and cuisine rather than football. With a chuckle, he jokes about his new role: "I never trained at 10am! I just played on Saturday and that was it. Now my life is quite simple. I'm a dad of five. In this moment, I'm more of a taxi driver than a football player, but it's OK."
Reflections on Premier League vs. La Liga
Distance from the game has given Hazard a clear perspective on the two leagues that defined his career. "They have different styles of play," he notes. "The Premier League is more physical; you never stop running. La Liga is more technical. At Madrid, you can manage the game, but in the Premier League, there is no chance: you have to go full speed for 90 minutes."
Talk of England inevitably leads to José Mourinho, his former coach at Chelsea. Hazard recalls a memorable mishap: "I remember once, during the first year Mourinho arrived, I went to Lille to watch a game and lost my passport on the way back." He missed training and had to apologize, but the incident was just a blip. "The next week, he pulled me out of the team and said it was my fault, but by the weekend I was back playing and it went well." Despite friction, Hazard respects Mourinho's passion and training methods.
Proud Moments with Belgium and Career Highlights
Hazard speaks glowingly of captaining Belgium at the 2018 World Cup, where they finished third. "It's total happiness," he says. "We felt that Belgium were incredible during those years. Even though we didn't win, people today say we were a better team than France. That makes me proud: not because we won, but because of what we created together."
His favorite goal? "Maybe the one against Tottenham," he says, referring to his curling equalizer in the 2016 Battle of the Bridge, which dashed Spurs' title hopes. He also cherishes winning the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2022, despite limited playing time, and places the Premier League title on the same pedestal for its difficulty.
New Venture: Elegant Wine in Italy
So why is Hazard in Lecce? The connection came via ex-teammate Willian, who introduced him to Fabio Cordella, a sporting director turned vintner. Cordella has assembled a "squad" of football legends, including Ronaldinho and Gianluigi Buffon, to create signature wines. Hazard is the latest addition, launching his own vintage.
Though not a big drinker during his playing days, Hazard sees parallels between wine and football: "It's a bit like football: it's not just about one game, it's about a career of 10 or 15 years." With a grin, he adds, "This wine is elegant, just like me."
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Fun and Family
Hazard has no desire to be remembered as a legend. "Just as a good player and a good, funny guy. I don't need anything more than that," he states. His future vision is simple: "It's a bottle of wine and family. I see my future as a happy grandfather with white hair, surrounded by my kids. That is the life I want."
As he enjoys his post-retirement peace, Hazard's journey from football stardom to family-focused contentment offers a refreshing glimpse into life beyond the pitch.
