Ex-France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces retirement

France's World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31 on Wednesday, concluding a distinguished career following a significant knee injury.

From 2013 to 2022, Varane earned 93 caps for the French national team, playing a pivotal role in their triumph at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and their second-place finish in Qatar four years later.

He commenced his club career with Ligue 1 team Lens before transferring to Real Madrid in 2011, where he made 360 appearances and secured three La Liga titles along with four Champions League trophies during a highly successful tenure.

In 2021, Varane joined Manchester United, where he played 95 matches across all competitions, contributing to the team's victory in the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. He later moved to Serie A club Como in July, where he sustained a knee injury during his debut.

"I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and now it is time to stop and hang up my boots after my final game, which ended in a trophy at Wembley," Varane expressed in an Instagram post, referring to United's FA Cup victory in May.

"I have no regrets; I wouldn't change a thing. I have achieved more than I ever dreamed possible, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I take pride in having remained true to my principles and in my efforts to leave every place better than I found it."

Varane also mentioned that he would continue with Como in a non-playing capacity.

"A new chapter begins off the pitch. I will stay with Como, just without my boots and shin pads. I look forward to sharing more about this soon," Varane stated.X

In April, the defender expressed that the concussions he experienced during his career had "damaged his body" and emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among players regarding the risks associated with heading the ball.

The Frenchman revealed that he had sustained a concussion shortly before participating in France's 1-0 loss to Germany in the quarterfinals 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.

SportsLigue