Wimbledon is set to host one of the beautiful game's great entertainers at Plough Lane on May 25. Chelsea legend Eden Hazard will be gracing the pitch for the annual Goals 4 GOSH charity match, joining former Premier League stars, celebrities, and influencers.
Hazard's return to London
The Belgian maestro, who retired in 2023 after an injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid, is sure to draw a crowd. Some reports claim that Madrid's final fee for Hazard was a whopping £130million, making him the third-most expensive player of all time. Despite his struggles in Spain, Hazard is still remembered fondly in England as one of the Premier League's all-time greats.
A true Premier League legend
With 85 goals and 54 assists for Chelsea, Hazard won the title twice and a Player of the Season award in 2014/15. His former teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, even included him in his all-time Premier League XI, stating, "On a good day, Eden was just exceptional. He had this one-on-one dribbling ability with an, 'I don't care, I'm just playing football, having fun' attitude."
Staying active post-retirement
Since retiring, Hazard has kept himself busy with charity matches and a new-found love for cycling. In April, he completed the 225km 'Mallorca 312' cycle race, and a year earlier, he conquered Mont Ventoux in France, one of the most gruelling stages of the Tour de France.
A welcome addition to the Goals 4 GOSH match
While Hazard may have been booed during a charity game at the home of former rivals Lens, he's likely to receive a warmer reception at Wimbledon. Despite being a London club, there's still plenty of respect for the ex-winger in England, and his participation in the Goals 4 GOSH match is sure to be a highlight of the event.
