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On 10th October 2023, three months after his departure from Madrid on mutual terms, Hazard announced his decision to retire from professional football at the age of 32.
For context, David Beckham retired at 38 years of age, Franck Ribéry retired at 37 years of Age, Ryan Giggs did his at 40 years and Gianluigi Buffon retired at 43 years of age.
To some Madrid fans who had been angered by his inconsistent appearances, considering the amount splurged on him, this was a news well-received.
To others, who had witnessed his scintillating performances at both Lille and Chelsea, this was just another scenario of a talent left completely untapped.
If the likes of Giggs and Buffon could play into their late thirties, then Hazard's retirement at that age was not good news.
But then, life happens, and football happens.
Hazard's case is simply an example of a common phenomenon in football; a situation whereby a player with promise goes to a team and is unable to replicate earlier forms. More so, the blame cannot completely be on the player because the player has shown his mettle in different clubs and different leagues.
The Premier League is notorious for having squads with brutal defense – defenders ready to send you to the doctors for dribbling too much, and if Hazard could do well in this league, then the problem is definitely not the issue.
Can it be postulated that his move to Real Madrid was ill-timed? Maybe he would have had a longer career if he didn't go to Madrid?
A closer look at the situation around the time he moved to Madrid reveals that he can't be faulted for moving to Madrid, despite the harm it did to his career.
By the end of the 2018/2019 season, Hazard had won every individual Chelsea award there was to win. For a player who likes challenges, there really was nothing to do again, and following the saying of “Quit when the ovation is loudest,” the move was perfect.
But why Madrid?
There are hardly any players in the world that can say no to Real Madrid. This is a fact.
The history of the club, the prestige associated with the club, the lure of trophies to be won and finally (maybe most importantly), the pay…
They are simply almost irresistible, a modern-day equivalent of the Sirens' Sea from Greek mythology.
With these, it is evident that going to Madrid wasn't the issue. Rather, the issue was what he did when he got to Madrid.
As painful as it might sound, Real Madrid is no Chelsea. Real Madrid is definitely higher.
Proof? He had 85 goals in 245 appearances for Chelsea, and 4 goals in 54 appearances for Real Madrid.
Beyond the number of goals, the reduction in number of appearances says a lot.
Firstly, the injuries. It couldn't have been the injuries. He had had similar injuries and always overcame them, even coming back to do better.
Was it the pressure? Here was a player who had played at the Euros, the World Cup and the Champions League, and shone in these competitions. In the word of that famous commentator, “what pressure? Pressure is for tyres.”
From an ignored perspective, the problem was psychological…
Even experts think so.
“Hazard's struggles at Real Madrid were as much mental as physical… He lost his confidence.”
— Guillem Balagué, Football Journalist
“The move to Real Madrid didn't work out as planned… It's a shame because he's an incredible talent.”
— Steve McManaman, Former Professional Footballer
When Louis Saha signed for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, he spent more time in the OR than on the field. Painfully, whenever he was fit enough to play, he performed impressively.
Sir Alex had to sell him. After he was sold, he no longer battled with injuries…
Think about that for a minute.
Much focus is placed on the business part of football, the physical part of football, the medical part of football. Lesser focus is placed on the psychological part.
From an unpopular perspective, Eden Hazard's woes at Madrid could be as a result of psychological incapability, which eventually led to recurring injuries. Coincidentally, when he wasn't battling with injuries, he was battling with dips in form.
Firstly, the shirt number he was given. Ángel Di María can attest to this. He had a solid reputation before he got to Manchester United, collected the Number 7 shirt and couldn't replicate his excellence, until he left.
An average football fan knows the weight behind the Number 7 shirt. One of the Greatest footballers of all time has made that jersey his trademark number (You already know who it is). One of the greatest free kick takers, David Beckham wore that number.
Not even in Madrid alone, the number 7 is a revered number in football.
The number 7 shirt given to Hazard might have done him more harm than good, in terms of the burden it placed on him.
Loss of passion. Eventually, his ability to get playing time ultimately led to a loss of passion for the game. Football is a game that demands passion: Passion for the money; passion for the fame; passion for the game itself, just make sure to have passion.
Finally, his mental health. If he had had a therapist or someone close to that constantly checking on his mental well-being while he was battling with injuries and lack of playing time, maybe his early retirement would have been avoided.
At the end of the day, it's more of maybes than certainty. No one can actually place a finger on what exactly led to his early retirement.
While we cannot turn back the hands of time for Eden Hazard, we can always pick the lessons. In life, it's either you are a lesson or a legend.
Going forward, clubs should prioritize therapy and psychological check-up for their players. If possible, psychology tests should be added when a player is invited for medicals.
On the other hand, Players should make sure they are psychologically ready before making a move to a big club.
Or what do you think is the reason for the Hazards faced by Eden Hazard?