Former Belgian international Eden Hazard is making a return to Stamford Bridge this weekend for the Soccer Aid match, marking his first appearance since retiring eight months ago.
Hazard, who enjoyed a stellar seven-year stint at Chelsea before transferring to Real Madrid in 2019, will be part of the Rest of the World squad for this charity event.
During his time at Chelsea, Hazard played in 352 matches, scoring 110 goals and contributing 85 assists, solidifying his legacy at the club.
Soccer Aid is a charity match featuring teams composed of celebrities and former professional footballers, aimed at raising funds for UNICEF.
Since its inception, the event has successfully raised over £90 million.
This year’s match will see an England XI facing a World XI, with notable participants including Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Danny Dyer, and Lee Mack.
Hazard will be playing alongside former Chelsea teammates Petr Cech, Michael Essien, and Jon Obi Mikel, bringing a nostalgic touch to the event.
In preparation for the game, Hazard has been training diligently, even sharing an Instagram post of himself cycling up a mountain with the caption, “Climbing to the top.”
This suggests that Hazard is taking his return to the pitch seriously and is eager to perform well, even in a friendly match setting.
The England team will be managed by former Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard and will feature other Chelsea alumni such as Joe Cole and Gary Cahill.
Reflecting on his return to Chelsea, Hazard expressed deep affection for his former club.
He reminisced about his seven years at Chelsea as the most memorable period of his football career, filled with joy and significant experiences both on and off the field.
Hazard noted that despite leaving the club, Chelsea has always held a special place in his heart, and the opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge and play with friends makes this event particularly meaningful for him.
The Soccer Aid match promises to be a night of entertainment and nostalgia, bringing together former stars and current celebrities for a good cause.
Hazard’s participation, given his history and popularity with Chelsea fans, adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
The presence of other former Chelsea greats and the management of the England team by Lampard further enhances the event’s connection to Chelsea’s storied past.
As Hazard prepares for this charity match, his reflections on his time at Chelsea underscore the lasting impact the club has had on him.
His statement about the happiness he experienced during those years and the sadness that accompanied his departure highlights the strong emotional ties he maintains with Chelsea.
This weekend’s match at Stamford Bridge is not just an opportunity for Hazard to lace up his boots again but also a chance for fans to celebrate and relive the memories of his time at the club.
It promises to be a special night for everyone involved, both on the field and in the stands, as they come together to support a noble cause through the beautiful game.
