Ex-France And Real Madrid Defender Raphael Varane Announces Retirement

France’s World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football at the age of 31 on Wednesday, bringing down the curtain on his successful career after suffering a serious knee injury.

Varane made 93 appearances for France from 2013-22, playing a key role in their victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as their runners-up finish four years later in Qatar.

Varane started his club career at Lens in Ligue 1 before transferring to Real Madrid in 2011. During his time at Madrid, he made 360 appearances and secured three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, marking a highly successful period in his career.

He joined United in 2021, making 95 appearances in all competitions for the English side and helping them win the League Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, before moving to Serie A club Como in July where he suffered a knee injury on his debut.

“I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game-winning trophy at Wembley,” Varane wrote in a post on Instagram, referencing United’s FA Cup win in May.

“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. 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.”

Varane added that he would remain at Como in a non-playing role.

“A new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon,” Varane said.

In April, the defender said the concussions he had suffered throughout his career had “damaged his body” and stressed the importance of creating more awareness among players on the dangers of heading.

The Frenchman revealed that he had experienced a concussion just days before France’s 1-0 loss to Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, as well as during Real Madrid’s defeat to Manchester City in the second leg of the last 16 in the 2020 Champions League.

Varane’s former clubs tribute to him 

United said in a post on X, “You represented our colors with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership, and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture. Once a Red, always a Red.”

France manager Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Varane in a statement from the French Football Federation, describing his former charge as “a leader on the pitch but also off it, where his opinion was always listened to and respected.”

Madrid also wished him well in a statement.

“Raphaël Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest center-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club,” it read.

“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.”