Former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and France defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Varane joined Italian side Como on a free transfer in July but sustained a knee injury during his debut against Sampdoria last month. He confirmed that he will remain with the club in a non-playing role.
“I hold myself to the highest standard; I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” Varane expressed on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Starting his career at French club Lens, Varane spent just one season in their first team before moving to Real Madrid in 2011. During his ten years in Madrid, he won an impressive 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
In the summer of 2021, he transferred to Manchester United for an initial fee of £34 million, making 95 appearances across all competitions, despite struggling with injuries. He won the Carabao Cup in 2022, with his final appearance for the club being an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May.
Varane made his France debut in 2013 and earned 93 caps, winning the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2021, while reaching the World Cup final again in 2022.
“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 a trophy at Wembley,” he reflected. “I have no regrets; I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have ever 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.”
Regarding his future, Varane stated, “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.”
In April, he revealed that he had “damaged his body” due to the ongoing impact of heading the ball and recalled finishing a World Cup game in 2014 on “autopilot” after playing with concussion. Varane has since advocated for greater protection and awareness regarding this issue.
