Real Madrid News
Official: Eden Hazard announces retirement from international football
Real Madrid and Belgium forward Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football. The 31-year-old draws the curtain to an illustrious international career wherein he made 126 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 33 goals.
Hazard ends his national team career as the second-highest goal scorer for Belgium, with only Romelu Lukaku (68) outsourcing the Real Madrid winger.
Having made his international debut against Luxembourg in November 2008, his best years for the country came in 2015 and 2018, where he scored six goals each. Interestingly enough, it took him four long years to open the goalscoring account for the team, having blanked in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
In an emotional statement released on his social media channels, the 31-year-old thanked the fans for their constant support, saying,
“A page turns today. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you,” he wrote on his social media.
Hazard’s international career will mostly be remembered as a captain under whom Belgium topped the FIFA men’s ranking for the first time. Under his leadership, they became the longest-reigning team to have ever topped the world rankings.
Meanwhile, with that being done, Hazard can now focus on his Real Madrid career, which has been on a decline for a long. The 31-year-old is already way down the pecking order and if things remain the same, he is expected to depart at the end of the season.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
