Belgium’s captain Eden Hazard, the long-time star of a national team that has often dazzled and sometimes frustrated, announced on Wednesday that he is stepping away from international football. The decision follows a World Cup campaign in which the Red Devils failed to survive the group stage, leaving fans and teammates to reflect on a chapter that began with great promise and a storied club career that continued at Real Madrid before a period of struggle and injuries.
In a message shared on social media, Hazard expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received since making his debut in 2008 and acknowledged how much joy the national team gave him. He explained that a new page has started in his life and that he has chosen to end his international career, signaling that his country will move forward without him on the world stage. Hazard will be 32 years old in January, and while his decision draws a line under many memorable moments, it also invites reflection on a career defined by high peaks and difficult injuries.
Over 126 appearances for Belgium were spread across 133 call-ups, a tally that places Hazard among the most capped players in the nation’s history. He debuted at 17, on a November evening in 2008, and over the next 14 years he contributed 33 goals as part of a generation that often carried Belgian hopes on the world stage. The national federation joined in tributes after the announcement, thanking him for his leadership and for the happiness he brought to fans both at home and abroad.
Memories of Hazard’s most iconic moments linger: the joyous celebrations in Brussels’ Grand Place after a remarkable World Cup run, the pride of Belgium securing a third place at the 2018 tournament in Russia, and the many standout performances that defined a team known for its attacking flair and resilience. His departure comes after Belgium’s difficult showing in the most recent World Cup, where the team edged Canada 1-0 but fell to Morocco and Croatia, ultimately not advancing to the knockout rounds. Hazard started the first two games of the tournament and appeared as a late substitute in a few others, leaving many to wonder about the shape of Belgian football in the coming years.
Commentators and fans alike have reflected on Hazard’s impact, noting not only his technical brilliance but also the way his presence galvanized teammates and inspired younger players. Analysts highlighted how the team will be remembered for moments of brilliance, including memorable goals and tactical performances in critical matches across European Championships and World Cups. As a symbol of Belgian football during a transformative era, Hazard’s legacy will be weighed against the team’s long-term results and the ongoing evolution of the squad.
Hazard’s journey began in Lille, where he emerged through the club’s youth system and broke into the first team in the 2007-2008 season. His early successes laid the groundwork for a move to Chelsea in 2012, where he spent seven impactful seasons and earned multiple trophies, including two Europa Leagues and two Premier League titles. The transfer to Real Madrid in 2019 marked a new chapter, bringing the chance to compete at the highest level in another era of elite European football. While injuries and a dip in form challenged him, Hazard’s time in Madrid also produced memorable highs and affirmed his status as one of his generation’s most talented players.
In Madrid, minutes became scarce as the club adjusted to evolving rosters and the demanding schedule of a top team. Still, Hazard’s experience and leadership continued to influence the locker room, even as competition for a starting role intensified under different managers. The decision to retire from international play closes a chapter that intersected with the careers of other Belgian stalwarts, including key teammates and coaches who helped shaped the team’s identity in recent years.
Looking ahead, Belgian football faces the task of rebuilding its international program. With the next major campaigns on the horizon, the federation and the national team will seek fresh leadership and a new approach to sustain competitiveness on the continental and global stages. The Belgian squad will soon turn its focus to forthcoming qualifiers and friendlies as it eyes a return to form and the next generation of players ready to carry the flag with pride.
Hazard’s international career, marked by bold play and moments of brilliance, will be remembered for the way it connected a nation to its footballing dreams. From a prodigiously gifted youngster to a captain who led by example, his influence extended beyond goals and assists. Belgium’s future will hinge on translating the lessons learned from his era into a renewed, dynamic team capable of competing at the highest level and delivering the thrilling football that fans have always associated with the Red Devils.
As the team prepares for its next fixtures, it does so without one of its most iconic figures. The road ahead will be different, but the ambition remains the same: to honor past glories while building toward a bright horizon for Belgian football.