One of the most successful and technically skilled centre-backs of the 21st century, Raphael Varane, has announced his retirement. The former Lens, Real Madrid and Manchester United player shared the news with his followers on Instagram on Wednesday, September 25.
Raphael Varane says an emotional farewell to football
“They say all good things come to an end“, began Varane.
“In my career I have accepted many challenges and faced every challenge, almost all of which were thought to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. When I think back on these moments, it is with pride and a sense of fulfillment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love..”
“I set the highest standards for myself, I want to perform well and not just hang on to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and instincts. Wants and needs are two different things. I have fallen and got up a thousand times and this time the time has come to stop and hang up my boots because my last game will be to win a trophy at Wembley..”
He continued:
“I don’t regret anything, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve won more than I ever dreamed of, but beyond the awards and trophies, I’m proud that no matter what, I’ve stuck to my principles of honesty and tried to leave each place better than I found it.
“Now I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the fans of all the clubs I have played for, my teammates, coaches and staff for making this journey something very special, something I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams..
“Thank you, football.”
A legend retires
Varane, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained in his debut game for Como, has won everything in his career, winning three La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Manchester United and a 2018 World Cup with France.
The 31-year-old spent a decade at Real Madrid between 2011 and 2021, playing 360 games and scoring 17 goals. His stay at Old Trafford was relatively short and plagued by injuries, but he proved his ability in the games he did appear in. From 2021 to 2024, Varane played 95 times, scoring two goals.
During his illustrious career, he shared the field with many icons of the sport and created lifelong memories. Here are the five players who have played the most games with the legend:
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Manchester United): 232 games
In fifth place we have five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who played 232 games with Raphael Varane at Real Madrid and Manchester United. Ronaldo and Varane played 200 games for Los Merengues and shared 32 matches together at Manchester United. The Portuguese icon even assisted Varane once during their time at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo and Varane won 15 trophies together with Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles, but they failed to win a trophy together at Man Utd.
#4 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid): 246 games
Toni Kroos, who hung up his Adidas boots at the end of the 2023/24 season, played 246 games with Raphael Varane at Real Madrid. Kroos and Varane scored five goals between them during their time in the Spanish capital, with the German playing the assist role on all five occasions.
Kroos and Varane won everything for Real Madrid between 2014 and 2021. They celebrated three UEFA Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and two Supercopas de Espana.
#3 Casemiro (Real Madrid and Manchester United): 248 games
Casemiro, a brilliant defensive midfielder, and Raphael Varane, a world-class centre-back, had an excellent relationship. It began during their time together at Real Madrid and continued during their time at Manchester United. Casmiro and Varane played 248 games for two clubs – 203 games for Real Madrid and 45 games for Manchester United.
Casemiro and Varane won two La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, one Copa del Rey and two Supercops de Espana with Real Madrid. They won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup together with United.
#2 Luka Modric (Real Madrid): 268 games
Midfield maestro Luka Modric and legendary centre-back Raphel Varane spent nine seasons together at Real Madrid, making 268 appearances together. However, unlike Toni Kroos, Modric was unable to provide Varane with assists during their careers.
Modric and Varane celebrated 17 trophies at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, including four UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles and four FIFA Club World Cups.
#1 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid and France): 318 games
Karim Benzema was lucky enough to play alongside Raphael Varane in a whopping 318 matches. The French duo made 32 appearances together for the national team and 286 appearances for Real Madrid. Varane and Benzema scored three goals between them, with Varane providing two assists for the second.
Benzema and Varane won four UEFA Champions League trophies, four FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups and three Supercopas de Espana in Madrid.
