Hazard's life after football: 'I'm more of a taxi driver than a footballer now'
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea star reflects on his retirement, family life in Madrid, and memorable moments from his playing days in a candid interview.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard has opened up about his post-football life nearly three years after hanging up his boots following an injury-plagued spell at the Bernabéu.
From footballer to family man
The Belgian playmaker, who continues to live in Madrid with his family, has embraced a simpler life away from the spotlight.
“My life is quite simple. I’m a father of five children. Right now I’m more of a taxi driver than a footballer,” Hazard revealed in a refreshingly honest chat with The Guardian.
The 35-year-old explained his decision to remain in the Spanish capital after retirement was family-driven, citing the climate, food, and stability for his children as key factors.
Time flies in football
Hazard offered some philosophical musings about how quickly a football career passes:
- “Life goes by extremely quickly, especially in football”
- Reflected that yesterday he felt 19, today he’s 35
- Emphasized the importance of enjoying every moment, not just in football but in life generally
Memorable moments
The interview wasn’t short of interesting anecdotes from his playing days, including:
- A run-in with Mourinho after losing his passport returning from Lille, missing training and subsequently being dropped
- His immense pride at captaining Belgium during their ‘golden generation’ era
- The special feeling of playing alongside his brother for the national team
- Belgium’s 2018 World Cup campaign, which many consider better than eventual champions France
Madrid disappointment
While the interview touched on his time at Real Madrid, it’s clear his spell in Spain didn’t go as planned. After being one of the Premier League’s most electric performers at Chelsea, injuries prevented him from ever showing his true quality in La Liga.
Now it seems the Belgian is at peace with his career path, trading the pressure of elite football for school runs and family time. Not a bad retirement plan for a player who lit up pitches across Europe during his prime.