After Belgium’s group-stage elimination at the World Cup in Qatar, Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international competition.
Following a disappointing World Cup in Qatar, Roberto Martinez’s team was eliminated at the group stage despite entering as the second-ranked nation in the FIFA rankings.
And now, after a 14-year career with 126 matches and 33 goals, the former Chelsea great has announced that he will retire from international football.
Official Statement
“A page turns today….” Hazard wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you for your love and for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.”
“I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.”
After 126 caps and 33 goals, Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at age 31 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/qbr6EAlDea
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 7, 2022
Hazard’s International career
He entered the game as a substitute against Luxembourg to make his debut and become the eighth-youngest player for his nation.
After that, he played in three World Cups and two European Championships and led the team 56 times.
In 126 games for the Red Devils, he has scored 33 goals and given 36 assists.
He helped Belgium reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions France and beat England in the third-placed playoff. He wore the captain’s armband 56 times for his country.
Hazard’s retirement signals the beginning of the end for Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation,” who, despite traveling to Qatar as the second-ranked country in the most recent FIFA World Rankings, has once again failed in their final bid at international glory.
Following their elimination, Belgium’s manager Roberto Martinez also announced his resignation.
Hazard participated in each of Belgium’s three World Cup games in Qatar, although the team only managed one goal—in a 1-0 victory over Canada. They drew 0-0 with Croatia and lost 2-0 to Morocco.
Only Romelu Lukaku (68 goals) has ever scored more goals for the national team, and only three players have received more caps than Hazard.
