World Cup winner with France, Raphaël Varane, has announced his retirement from football, ending a career that saw him win four Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
The former France defender was due to play for Como in Serie A this season but announced his immediate retirement from the game on Wednesday due to a knee injury. He played just 20 minutes for Como in a Coppa Italia match before suffering the injury. Varane will remain at Como in a non-footballing role yet to be defined.
Varane had been struggling with injuries after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season on a free transfer. He agreed to join Cesc Fabregas at Como but decided to retire.
“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane said in a statement posted on Instagram.
“Throughout my career I have taken on many challenges and risen to the occasion, even when almost everything seemed impossible. I have experienced incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of satisfaction that I announce my retirement from the sport we all love.
“I demand the most from myself, I want to come out strong, not just cling to the game. It takes a great deal of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and need are two different things.”
The announcement brings to an end a career that saw him play for a decade at Madrid after joining the Spanish giants from Lens in 2011. He played 360 times for Madrid and won three La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020) along with four Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). He also won the 2014 Copa del Rey there, along with the Club World Cup in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
In 2021, he joined United for a fee of around €41 million ($46 million) and helped the team win the 2024 FA Cup and the 2023 League Cup. At international level, he was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.
Varane added in his statement: “I have fallen and gotten up a thousand times, and this time, it's time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game winning a trophy at Wembley.
“I have loved fighting for myself, for my clubs, for my country, for my team-mates and for the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I had and I have enjoyed every minute of the way. Playing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience cannot be found anywhere else. As sportspeople, we are never satisfied, we never accept success. It is our nature and what drives us.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn't change a thing. I've won more than I ever dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I'm proud that no matter what happened, I stayed true to my principles of being honest and trying to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I've made you all proud.”
“And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will continue in Como, but without boots or shin guards. Something I hope to be able to share more about soon.”
United said in a post on X: “You represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. I hope these qualities will serve you well in your next adventure. Once a Red, always a Red.”
France coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Varane in a statement from the French Football Federation, describing his former pupil as “a leader on the pitch but also off it, where his opinion was always heard and respected.”
Madrid also wished him the best in a statement.
“Raphael Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the best centre-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club,” it reads.
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”
