Hazard participated in Mallorca 312, one of Europe's largest amateur cycling events, which attracts thousands of participants to the Balearic Islands. The race offers various distances, with routes traversing the famous Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Hazard chose the 167 km challenge, known as one of the most demanding routes due to its numerous climbs, sharp turns, and high physical requirements. Despite announcing his retirement in 2023 at just 32 years old, Hazard demonstrated impressive physical fitness. Upon finishing Mallorca 312, the former Belgian star appeared tired but satisfied. In a brief interview, he even spoke Spanish and humorously revealed his personal goal to lose weight.

Eden Hazard drinks beer after a 167 km cycling journey in Mallorca, Spain. *Photo: Tribuna*

The moment that quickly went viral online occurred immediately after the race, as Hazard casually drank a glass of beer in front of the cameras.

Since retiring from football, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward has dedicated significant time to cycling. In 2024, the former Belgian legend, along with his brothers, conquered Mont Ventoux, one of the Tour de France's most famous and challenging mountain climbs, featuring an altitude between 1,210 and 1,617 m. Mont Ventoux is renowned for its strong winds and difficult history, notably witnessing the death of British cyclist Tom Simpson during the 1967 Tour de France.

Eden Hazard celebrates winning the Europa League in 2019. *Photo: Sky*

Hazard was once considered a top player globally. He scored 110 goals in 352 appearances for Chelsea, including 85 in the Premier League. During his seven years with the London club, Hazard secured two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and two Europa League trophies. He also won one Ligue 1 title and one French Cup during his time at Lille.

However, after joining Real Madrid in 2019 for 136 million USD, Hazard experienced a sharp decline due to injuries and frequent uncontrolled weight gain. The Belgian winger never played more than 23 matches per season for the Madrid club and was often relegated to the B team. In total, Hazard missed 78 matches in his four years at Real, exceeding the 76 matches he played, and scored only 7 goals. After agreeing to an early contract termination one year before its expiry with the royal club, Hazard decided to retire at 32.

At the national team level, Hazard participated in three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), most notably captaining the Belgian team to a third-place finish in 2018.

Following his retirement, Hazard chose a quiet life in Madrid. He expressed looking back on his career not with regret but with gratitude, and decided to settle permanently due to his family, children, the climate, and the cuisine. "I just want to be remembered as a good player and a happy person. That's enough", he shared.

Compiled by Hong Duy