Kylian Mbappe Pays Tribute to Eden Hazard As Belgian Star Retires From Professional Football

• Belgium's Eden Hazard has officially retired from professional football after 16 years
• Kylian Mbappe has posted his tribute to Hazard online after the player's announcement
• Hazard played over 700 games during his career and last featured for Real Madrid in Spain

Kylian Mbappe has paid tribute to Eden Hazard.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar is one of many footballers who have come out in praise of the former Real Madrid player after his retirement announcement.

The BBC reported earlier that the former Belgian captain made the decision to retire from professional football.

Hazard announced the decision on social media, saying that after 16 years and 700 games, he decided to end his career. Mbappe, who played against the former Chelsea man at club and international level, then took to social media to pay tribute to him.

The French superstar shared a photo of Hazard on his Instagram story, saying ‘Le grand Eden. MERCI.'

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It translates to 'The great Eden, thank you.'

Hazard retires from international football

As reported by ESPN, the former Chelsea man retired from international football in December after Belgium's exit from the FIFA World Cup.

Hazard held onto the dream of continuing his club football and was linked with several sides after leaving Real Madrid. He joined the Spanish giants in 2019 from Chelsea but only played 54 games in La Liga for them.

Real Madrid criticised for Hazard's retirement

Hazard's abrupt retirement announcement at the age of 32 has sent shockwaves through the football world.

The former Belgian international, who enjoyed a career spanning nearly two decades, showcased his talents at clubs in France, England, and finally Spain, Sports Brief reported.

As the news of his retirement spreads rapidly, many fans are critical of Real Madrid, believing they may have prematurely ended what could have been a remarkable career.

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Hazard officially retires from football

In an earlier publication, Sports Brief reported on Hazard retiring from professional football at the age of 32 in what came as a surprise for many in the sport.

The Belgian footballer faced significant challenges during his four-year tenure in Spain after his record-breaking transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019.

Hazard, who also had successful stints with Chelsea and LOSC Lille, officially announced his retirement on Instagram and numerous reactions followed.