Why Eden Hazard is not playing at Euro 2024 with Belgium missing former captain in Germany

Belgium are currently playing a major international tournament without Eden Hazard in the team for the first time in ten years.

Chelsea legend Hazard was the face of his country’s ‘Golden Generation’ that came close to ending their silverware drought.

Belgium failed to qualify for a major tournament between 2004 and 2012, but the rise of Hazard, alongside former Chelsea teammates Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, saw them become a major figure on the world stage.

Belgium reached the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, and finished third at the 2018 World Cup.

The former number-one-ranked side in the world are among the contenders in Germany but will be without Hazard.

Why isn’t Hazard playing in Euro 2024?

Hazard announced his retirement from international duty in December 2022, 10 months before leaving the game entirely.

The then Real Madrid player quit his national team following Belgium’s group-stage elimination from the World Cup in Qatar.

Hazard, who succeeded Vincent Kompany as captain in 2016, scored 33 goals, only second on the all-time list behind Lukaku, in 126 caps.

The 33-year-old squashed any rumours of him emulating former Madrid pal Kroos in making a comeback to the international stage by hanging up his boots altogether in October.

Hazard became a free agent after leaving Madrid last summer following an injury-plagued spell in Spain since joining from Chelsea and was last seen playing in 2024’s edition of Soccer Aid at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

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In a statement on Instagram, Hazard wrote: “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.

“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.

“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.

“During my career, I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.

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“I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.

“A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad.

“Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played.

“Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”