The roaring crowds of Stamford Bridge and the demanding scrutiny of the Bernabéu feel like distant memories for Eden Hazard. Deep in the rustic Italian countryside, near the baroque city of Lecce, the former Belgian maestro has found a profound peace following his retirement at the age of 32.
An injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid prematurely ended a dazzling career, yet Hazard is remarkably comfortable with his new reality. He is leaning back in an armchair, surrounded by vineyards, reflecting on a life that moved too fast.
He emphasizes the importance of enjoying every moment, not just in football but in life itself. After years spent traveling and chasing glory, the silence since stepping away from the pitch has been a welcome change, allowing him to focus entirely on his family.
The Simple Life of a Soccer Dad
Hazard still resides in Madrid, a decision rooted in family, climate, and cuisine, rather than football necessity. His transition from elite athlete to domestic life has been seamless, though humorously demanding. “I never trained at 10am. I just played on Saturday and that was it,” he says with a smile.
Now, his schedule is dictated by his children. He is a father of five, and he jokingly accepts his new primary role. “In this moment, I am more of a taxi driver than a football player, but it is OK.”
This simple existence with his wife, kids, and brothers provides the solace many athletes desperately seek after leaving the professional void. The constant travel that defined his playing days has been replaced by invaluable time at home, without the stress that comes with top-level competition.
Premier League Versus La Liga A Definitive View
The eternal debate concerning the superiority of England’s top flight or Spain’s premier division found a clear answer from the man who conquered both. Hazard observes a distinct difference in philosophy. The Premier League, he argues, demands relentless physicality. “You never stop running,” he explains.
La Liga, by contrast, is far more technical, allowing for greater game management and pacing. He stresses that in England, there is no chance to relax. You must maintain full speed for the entire 90 minutes.
This insight highlights the tactical shift he had to manage when moving from Chelsea to Real Madrid, noting that winning the Premier League is just as special and difficult as lifting the Champions League.
The Mourinho Dynamic And Missing Training
Hazard’s relationship with José Mourinho at Chelsea was famously complex, a mix of high standards and occasional friction. When asked for a story about the Portuguese coach, Hazard recounts a memorable incident from Mourinho’s first year.
Hazard had traveled to Lille to watch a game and, disastrously, lost his passport on the return journey, forcing him to miss training and arrive back in England late the next afternoon. The immediate consequence was an apology session with Mourinho, which Hazard describes as a truly bad moment.
Despite this lapse, Mourinho’s trust remained strong. Hazard was pulled from the team briefly, acknowledging his fault, but was swiftly reinstated for the weekend match where he performed well.
Hazard credits Mourinho for instilling a deep passion for the game and for the unbelievable quality of their training sessions, noting how much he learned from the manager’s approach to trusting his players.
The Pride of Belgium and Iconic Goals
While his club career was storied, the feeling of captaining Belgium during the 2018 World Cup remains a peak moment. The tournament, where Belgium finished third, brought total happiness, especially since he played alongside his brother.
Although they did not win the ultimate prize, Hazard takes immense pride in the legacy the ‘Golden Generation’ created. He notes that many still consider that Belgian side superior to the eventual winners, France.
This focus on the quality of performance and collective achievement, rather than just trophies, speaks volumes about his character. Regarding personal highlights, Hazard immediately names the 2018 World Cup quarter-final against Brazil as his best individual performance.
His favourite goal, however, remains the stunning curving equaliser against Tottenham in the 2016 ‘Battle of the Bridge’. That strike famously ended Spurs’ title hopes and secured the league for Leicester City.
He also paid tribute to an underrated former teammate, proclaiming Mousa Dembélé as one of the best midfielders of his generation, recognized only by dedicated Premier League fans because of his lack of goals.
Vintages and Legacies
Hazard’s current presence in Lecce is tied to a unique venture. Following an introduction by former Chelsea teammate Willian, Hazard has joined a ‘squad’ of football legends, including Ronaldinho and Buffon, who are creating signature wines with sporting director Fabio Cordella.
Hazard, who admits he was never a heavy drinker during his career, sees a parallel between crafting fine wine and building a successful football career. Both require sustained effort over many years.
When asked if his wine reflects the player, he grins, replying, “Yes, of course. This wine is elegant, just like me.” He hopes to be remembered simply as a good player and a good, funny guy, needing nothing more than that.
From the intensity of the World Cup stage to the quiet comfort of the vineyards, Eden Hazard has found profound fulfillment in retirement. He remains connected to the game through cherished memories and friendships, but his focus is firmly fixed on family life and his new role as a vintner.
He even suggests a radical manifesto if he were prime minister, prioritizing street football and play over school. The Champions League and Premier League trophies were special, but the simple life of a happy grandfather is the ultimate prize he now seeks.
