Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard has signed a partnership with betting operator Stake as a global brand ambassador. The partnership comes as the sportsbook and online casino prepares marketing campaigns around the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America this summer.
Hazard, who retired from professional football in 2023, enjoyed a decorated career that included winning the UEFA Champions League, two Premier League titles, two La Liga titles and two UEFA Europa League trophies.
At international level, the former winger made 126 appearances for the Belgium national football team and captained the side from 2015 to 2023, helping the team finish third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Stake said Hazard will support fan engagement and marketing initiatives across its digital platforms during the 2026 football season. The ex-Belgium captain also has more than 58 million followers across social media platforms.
“I’m really excited to be joining Stake at such an important time in the football calendar,” Hazard said. “The World Cup remains the pinnacle of our sport — the dream every player chases — and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it on some of the biggest stages.”
Stake’s Growing Football Presence
This is not the first notable footballing partnership for Stake. The business sponsors Premier League side Everton FC and the brand’s logo was also seen on the clothing of Manchester United fan and influencer The United Strand in a highly-viewed live stream last month.
The company was founded less than a decade ago and also has a partnership deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Its most notable sporting deal is arguably its ownership of the Stake Formula 1 team.
Stake’s Chief Marketing Officer, Akhil Sarin, added: “With the 2026 World Cup set to be the biggest football tournament in history, this is a defining moment for fans and brands alike. Eden Hazard is a player who embodies creativity, flair and big-stage performance.”
