Former Real Madrid center-back, Raphael Varane has retired from football at the age of 31. Varane announced his retirement following a severe knee injury sustained while playing for Como in Serie A.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love,” Varane wrote on X.
“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 instincts. 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.”
"They say all good things must come to an end.
In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these… pic.twitter.com/xkX9A4ezdy
— Como1907 (@Como_1907) September 25, 2024
However, Varane is expected to continue with the team ‘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,” he said.
Varane began his career at Lens, his hometown club, before joining Real Madrid in 2011. During his time in Madrid, he amassed 18 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League triumphs. After moving to Manchester United in 2021, he played a key role in their Carabao Cup victory in 2022-23 and their FA Cup win the following season.
Varane also enjoyed a successful international career, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League with France, while earning 93 caps for his national team.
Raphael Varane: Individual awards
| FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018 |
| UEFA Team of the Year: 2018 |
| UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017–18 |
| FIFA World Cup Fantasy Team: 2018 |
| FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018 |
| IFFHS Men’s World Team: 2018 |
Raphael Varane: Individual records
- At just 18 years and 152 days old, Varane became the youngest player in Lens’ history to score a goal in Ligue 1.
- Varane is one of just five players in football history to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the same year, achieving this remarkable feat in 2018.
- Varane set a record as the youngest player to win the UEFA Champions League in back-to-back seasons, achieving this milestone in 2016 and 2017.
- During the 2017-18 season, Varane became the first French player in history to win four UEFA Champions League titles.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
