Eden Hazard Embraces Life After Football in Italian Countryside
In the serene countryside just outside Lecce, Italy, the frenetic energy of Stamford Bridge and the roaring crowds of the Bernabéu feel like distant memories for Eden Hazard. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid idol, now 35, has found peace in a rustic setting surrounded by vineyards, far from the football pitches that defined his career for over a decade.
"Life goes really fast, especially in football," Hazard reflects, leaning back comfortably in an armchair. "Yesterday I was 19, today I'm 35. You have to enjoy it, not just in football but in everything." It has been nearly three years since his retirement at age 32, following an injury-plagued stint at Real Madrid that prematurely ended a dazzling career.
Finding Solace in Simplicity and Family
While many professional athletes struggle with the void left by retirement, Hazard has discovered contentment in the simple pleasures of family life. "Your family is what helps you," he explains. "My life is simple: I stay home and enjoy the simple things with my wife, kids, and brothers. When you play, you travel constantly, but when you stop, you finally have time for them without the stress."
He still resides in Madrid, a choice driven by family considerations rather than football. "I never trained at 10am! I just played on Saturday and that was it," he says with a characteristic smile. "Now my life is quite simple. I'm a dad of five. In this moment, I'm more of a taxi driver than a football player, but it's OK."
Reflections on Premier League vs. La Liga
Distance from the game has given Hazard clear perspective on the two domestic leagues that shaped his career. "They have different styles of play," he observes. "The Premier League is more physical; you never stop running. La Liga is more technical. At Madrid, you can manage the game, but in the Premier League, there is no chance: you have to go full speed for 90 minutes."
His time in England inevitably brings up memories of José Mourinho, who coached him at Chelsea. Hazard recalls a particularly memorable incident: "I remember once, during the first year Mourinho arrived, I went to Lille to watch a game and lost my passport on the way back." The consequences were immediate - he missed training and had to apologize to the manager. "It was a really bad moment for me," he admits, but adds that he was back playing by the weekend.
Belgian Pride and World Cup Memories
While Chelsea was where he became an idol, Belgium was where he carried national hopes. He speaks glowingly of the 2018 World Cup: "It's not necessarily funny, but the 2018 World Cup was incredible. I had the chance to play with my brother. Being the captain of my country was something unbelievable."
Belgium finished third in that tournament, a result that satisfies Hazard despite falling short of the ultimate prize. "It's total happiness," he says. "We felt that Belgium were incredible during those years. Even though we didn't win, people today say we were a better team than France. That makes me proud: not because we won, but because of what we created together."
From Football Pitch to Vineyard
The reason for Hazard's presence in Lecce connects to his football past. "It started with Willian, my ex-teammate at Chelsea," he explains. "He spoke with me about it and said: 'Please, can you join us?'" The "us" refers to sporting director Fabio Cordella, who has assembled a "squad" of football legends including Ronaldinho, Andriy Shevchenko, and Gianluigi Buffon to create signature wines.
Hazard sees parallels between winemaking and football: "It's a bit like football: it's not just about one game, it's about a career of 10 or 15 years." When asked if his wine resembles the player, he grins: "Yes, of course. This wine is elegant, just like me."
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Despite winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2022, Hazard has modest aspirations for how he wants to be remembered. "Just as a good player and a good, funny guy. I don't need anything more than that."
He cites his favorite goal as the curling equalizer against Tottenham in 2016's "Battle of the Bridge," which effectively ended Spurs' title hopes and handed the trophy to Leicester. When asked about the most underrated player he played alongside, he doesn't hesitate: "I always thought Mousa Dembélé was one of the best midfielders of that generation. People didn't talk about him much because he didn't score goals, but the fans in the Premier League know he was a top, top player."
Looking ahead, Hazard paints a picture of contentment: "I see my future as a happy grandfather with white hair, surrounded by my kids. That is the life I want." For now, he's enjoying his role as family man, occasional taxi driver, and newest member of football's vintage wine club - proving that life after football can be just as rewarding as the career that preceded it.
