Belgium National Team Captain, Eden Hazard retires from International Football after their early World Cup exit

Eden Hazard makes it official his retirement from International football after their short World Cup Campaign in Qatar.

WHAT TRANSPIRED?: According to reports, the choice was taken after his country was eliminated from the competition after a 0-0 tie with Croatia on matchday three. Belgium finished third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia, both of whom advanced to the competition’s quarterfinals. Hazard appeared in all three of the group games but went goalless.

Hazard announced his retirement in his Instagram post to his fans: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love. Thank you 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….”

THE BROAD VIEW: With his statement, Hazard ends a career that spanned with 126 international matches from 2008 to 2022, scoring 33 goals throughout that time. The so-called “Golden Generation” of Belgian football, which included the 31-year-old, is starting to come to an end after manager Roberto Martinez declared he will resign after the team’s elimination from the group stage.

NEXT MOVE FOR HAZARD: Hazard’s decision to retire from international competition at the young age of 31 will allow him to concentrate on matters at the club level, as the Belgian has struggled to contribute more than six goals per season (four goals, two assists in 2020–21) since moving to Real Madrid from Chelsea back in 2019.