Eden Hazard: Chelsea Legend Set to Play First Game Since Announcing Retirement

Eden Hazard: Chelsea Legend Set to Play First Game Since Announcing Retirement

Elijah Odetokun
updated at October 16, 2023 at 9:34 AM
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  • Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional football last week
  • The Belgian was without a club since his Real Madrid contract was terminated
  • He is now set to return to the pitch for his first game since hanging up his boots

Eden Hazard looks set to come out of retirement already to play the first game of his life after football, despite only calling it quits on his 16-year career last week.

The Belgian opted to retire instead of exploring other options following the mutual termination of his contract at Real Madrid after his dream move turned sour.

Hazard was a legend at Chelsea for his seven years there, and was a fan favourite for being the face of the team and for delivering premium entertainment to fans.

Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, Getafe.
Eden Hazard played the last match of his professional career for Real Madrid against Getafe. Photo by Burak Akbulut.
Source: Getty Images

Hazard is also adored by LOSC Lille fans, the club where he shot to fame before moving to Stamford Bridge after the Blues won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

Hazard to play first game after retirement

The Belgian is now set to participate in the Yellow Pieces charity match, an initiative raising funds for hospitalised children and adolescents in France.

As seen in a video shared on social media, Hazard confirmed his appearance in the match set to take place between Team Varietes CF and Team Calais.

He will be on the same team as France national team manager, Didier Deschamps and other retired legends including Jens Lehmann, Yohan Cabaye, Robert Piers, and Wilfrid Mbappe (Kylian's father).

The match is set to take place on Wednesday, October 18, at the Stade de L'Epopee in Calais (8pm local time).

Some fans panned Hazard's early retirement but Goal reported the 32-year-old had multiple offers from Major League Soccer and Saudi Pro League but rejected them all.

Hazard spotted at Stamford Bridge

Sports Brief previously reported that Hazard was spotted at Stamford Bridge before the 1-1 draw between his former club and the visiting Liverpool.

The Belgian spent seven years at Chelsea. It was initially unclear why he was there but it was linked to the transfer of Romeo Lavia to the London club.

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.