off pitch
Who is Eden Hazard and what position is the former Chelsea & Real Madrid winger playing in UNICEF’s Soccer Aid 2024?
Plus a look at his incredible net worth
EDEN Hazard may have announced his retirement from professional football but he is back on the pitch once more.
Here is everything you need to know about the Real Madrid star who is taking part in Soccer Aid 2024.
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Who is Eden Hazard?
Eden Michael Walter Hazard was born on January 7, 1991.
He was born in the Belgium province of Hainaut located in the Walloon region, but spent only his early childhood in the town of La Louvière.
Hazard is the eldest of four children and has three brothers, all of whom play football.
He began his football career at four years old, playing for his hometown club Royal Stade Brainois.
He spent eight years at the club before moving to AFC Tubize.
While at Tubize, he was spotted by a Lille which promoted club officials to offer him an aspirant contract.
Hazard's parents accepted the offer from the club and he joined in 2005.
In May 2007, he signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal with Lille.
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When did Eden Hazard retire?
On October 10, 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from football.
In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star confirmed his decision to retire from the game for good.
Incredible body-cam footage shows what it was like to play against Hazard, Drogba & Co after Match For Hope charity game
He wrote: "You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.
"After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
"I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.
"During my career I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates - thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.
"I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.
"A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad.
Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them
Eden Hazard
"Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played.
"Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends."
Hazard joined Real Madrid in 2019 with a deal worth a club-record £130m including bonuses.
He initially signed a five-year deal until 2024. but his time with the club was beset by injuries and poor form.
As a result, they terminated his contract a year ahead of schedule in the summer.
Various clubs were reportedly interested in Hazard on a free transfer, but he ultimately decided to call it time on his football career at the age of just 32.
What position will Eden Hazard play in Soccer Aid 2024?
It has not yet been announced which position Hazard will be playing.
Speaking about his return to the pitch, he said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on Sunday 9th June!
"I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing.
"We won so many trophies together there.
"Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.”
Who will manage Eden Hazard's Soccer Aid 2024 team?
The England side will have three co-managers for its 2024 competition.
Former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has been appointed as one of them.
He will co-manage with Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams.
Leading the opposing Rest of the World team will be Argentine Mauricio Pochettino.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2024
Soccer Aid 2024 stars on Sunday, June 9 at Stamford Bridge.
The match will be available to watch for free on ITV and STV.
England will hope to win after losing to World XI for the last five years.
Soccer Aid line-up 2024
Fans can't wait for soccer aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The FULL line-up of players has been released and it is a mix of celebrities and former pro footballers.
England:
- Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)
- Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)
- Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)
- Jill Scott (Captain)
- Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper)
- David James (Professional Goalkeeper)
- David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)
- Footballer Jermain Defoe
- Jack Wilshere
- Footballer Joe Cole
- Pundit Karen Carney
- Footballer Gary Cahill
- Singer Tom Grennan
- Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett
- Actress Erin Doherty
- Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah
- Comedian Alex Brooker
- Cricketer Stuart Broad
- Actor Bobby Brazier
- Sam Thompson
- Footballer Ellen White
- Footballer Theo Walcott
- Actor Danny Dyer
- YouTuber Miniminter
World XI:
- Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)
- Jesus Perez (Coach)
- Usain Bolt (Captain)
- Footballer Eden Hazard
- Footballer Roberto Carlos
- Actor Martin Compston
- Comedian Maisie Adam
- Presenter Roman Kemp
- Comedian Lee Mack
- Boxer and reality star Tommy Fury
- Gladiator Diamond
- Footballer Michael Essien
- Footballer Patrice Evra
- Footballer Petr Cech
- Comedian Jason Manford
- Footballer John Obi Mikel
- Footballer Kaylyn Kyle
- YouTube Theo Baker
What is Eden Hazard's net worth?
Hazard has a net worth of £78 million.
He was named on the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List.
The annual report into the wealthiest people across the country named Charlie Morgan joint-27th on its Under-35s list.
Who is Eden Hazard's wife Natacha Van Honacker?
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Natacha Van Honacker was born and raised in Belgium in 1992.
She is believed to have met Hazard when he was 14 - around the same time he began playing football at a high level.
Not much is known about her as she tends to stay out of the spotlight.
When asked by the Belgian media if Hazard has a romantic streak, he replied: "I bring home flowers for my wife on a regular basis, but not every day."
The couple married in 2013, a year after Hazard joined Chelsea.
What is Eden Hazard's career stats?
Chelsea signed Hazard from Lille in 2012 for £32m.
He made 352 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals.
During his time at Real, he scored seven goals in 76 appearances, 10 of which came in all competitions in the 2022/23 season.
Does Eden Hazard have any children?
Hazard and Natacha have three sons named Leo, Sammy, and Yannis.
Asked if marrying and having children early had influenced his career, the footballer said: “Yes, for sure.
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“I’m lucky that I got married early and had kids. Sometimes when you play football and you are single you want to go out with friends and it’s not what you need.
“When you want to be one of the best players, you need a lot of rest. With my wife and family, I can stay at home and I think that is why I am one of the best.”