Former Manchester United star and one of the most celebrated defenders of modern football, Raphaël Varane, has officially announced his retirement at the age of 31.
Verane who won the 2018 World Cup and claimed four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, called time on his illustrious career after a brief stint with Italian club Como.
Varane sustained a knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria, having joined the club on a free transfer following his exit from Manchester United earlier in the summer.
During his three-year tenure at Manchester United, Varane made 95 appearances, though his time at Old Trafford was often hampered by injury.
Despite these setbacks, he managed to lift both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Varane had previously retired from international football at the age of 29, shortly after representing France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they finished as runners-up, losing to Argentina in the final.
His international career saw him earn 93 caps, cementing his place as a key figure in France’s defense during his decade-long run with the national team.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Varane reflected on his decision to step away from football.
“They say all good things must come to an end,” he wrote. “It is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.” He added, “I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Varane’s career has been marked by numerous triumphs. His journey to becoming one of the sport’s most decorated center-backs began with Real Madrid, where he won his first Champions League title at just 21 years old in 2014.
Over his decade at the Spanish club, he accumulated three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and four FIFA Club World Cup trophies.
He was a cornerstone in the French national team’s victorious 2018 World Cup campaign, scoring a vital header in their quarter-final win over Uruguay and starting all seven matches en route to France’s second World Cup title.
Varane made history in 2018 as one of the rare players to win both the Champions League and World Cup in the same year, a feat that earned him a spot in FIFA’s and UEFA’s Team of the Year.
That same year, he joined Manchester United alongside former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite a series of injuries, Varane demonstrated his class in key moments, including his standout performance in United’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final—marking the club’s first trophy in six years.
He also played a pivotal role in United’s unexpected 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, where he effectively neutralized Erling Haaland in what would be his last competitive appearance for the Red Devils.
Varane’s final move to Como was meant to be a fresh chapter, but fate had other plans. The knee injury he sustained in his debut left him sidelined, yet he has chosen to remain with the club in a non-playing capacity, working under the guidance of former teammate and current Como coach, Cesc Fàbregas.
Reflecting on his career, Varane expressed no regrets, “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said in his farewell post. “I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”
Varane exits the sport as a legend, having left an indelible mark on both club and international football. His contributions, on and off the pitch, will be remembered for years to come.
