Former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has celebrated completing a demanding 167-kilometre cycling challenge on the Spanish island of Mallorca by enthusiastically chugging a beer on camera. The 35-year-old Belgian, who retired from professional football in 2023 at the age of 32, continues to embrace athletic pursuits, with cycling becoming a notable passion in his post-playing career.
Hazard's Gruelling Mallorca Ride
This week, Hazard set himself the ambitious goal of tackling a staggering 167km ride across Mallorca's picturesque terrain. Upon finishing the arduous journey on Saturday, the ex-footballer appeared visibly fatigued but triumphant. Not content with merely completing the distance, Hazard proceeded to give an interview before famously downing a Carlsberg beer on camera, with a bottle of water also at hand, capturing a moment of light-hearted celebration after the physical exertion.
A Growing Passion for Cycling
This is not the first instance of Hazard demonstrating his cycling prowess. In 2024, alongside his brothers, he conquered Mont Ventoux in southern France, one of the most renowned and challenging climbs in the Tour de France. Riders on this ascent face elevations between 1,210 and 1,617 metres, battling extreme wind speeds that have historically made it treacherous; British cyclist Tom Simpson tragically died there during the 1967 Tour. Hazard's successful navigation of such a formidable peak underscores his serious commitment to the sport.
Life After Football
Since shocking the football world by retiring relatively young at 32, Hazard has remained connected to the game through charity matches, including participating in Soccer Aid at Stamford Bridge in 2024. However, his dedication to cycling highlights a new athletic chapter. During his illustrious playing career, Hazard made 352 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and securing six major trophies, including two Premier League titles, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2017, where he later won the Champions League before hanging up his boots.
