Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane announced his retirement on Wednesday, bringing an end to a career that included a World Cup title and many club trophies.
The 31-year-old Varane joined the newly promoted Serie A club Como in July but suffered a knee injury during his first match with the team, which was an Italian Cup game against Sampdoria last month.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible,” Varane wrote on Instagram. “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 was considered one of the best defenders in the 2018 World Cup when France won in Russia, where he scored one of his five international goals with a crucial header against Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
He was known for being an elegant defender who played well with the ball and had a great sense of positioning due to his quick understanding of the game. He formed a strong partnership with Samuel Umtiti in that tournament.
Varane also helped Real Madrid win four Champions League titles and three Spanish league titles.
He transferred to Manchester United in 2021 but only made 95 appearances over three seasons in England, mostly due to injuries. Varane started his career at Lens.
“From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey,” Varane said. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of.”
Varane had previously retired from the France national team a few months after losing the World Cup final to Argentina in 2022. During that match, which was his 93rd for Les Bleus since his debut in 2013, he fell to the ground exhausted late in extra time.
