Raphaël Varane: Former Real Madrid and Man United defender retires

French World Cup winner Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement from football, ending a career in which he won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

The former French defender was due to play for Como in Serie A this season, but announced his immediate retirement from the sport on Wednesday due to a knee injury. He played just 20 minutes in a Coppa Italia match for Como before sustaining the injury. Varane will remain at Como in an as yet undefined non-playing role.

Varane has struggled with injuries since leaving Manchester United on a free transfer at the end of last season. He agreed to join Cesc Fabregas at Como but has decided to retire.

“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane said in a statement posted on Instagram.

“In my career I have accepted many challenges and faced every challenge even though almost everything seemed impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that last a lifetime. When I think back to these moments, I feel very proud and fulfilled as 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 stick to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and need are two different things.”

This announcement brings to an end a career that saw him play for Madrid for a decade after joining the Spanish giants from Lens in 2011. He played 360 times for Madrid and won three La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020) and four Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), as well as winning the Copa del Rey there in 2014 and the Club World Cup in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

He joined United in 2021 for a transfer fee of around €41 million ($46 million) and helped the club win the 2024 FA Cup and the 2023 League Cup. At international level, he was part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final in 2022.

Varane added in his statement: “I have fallen and got up a thousand times and this time it is time to stop and hang up my boots as my last game is to win a trophy at Wembley.”

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the fans of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester and for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have and enjoyed every minute of this journey. Playing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It challenges your body and your mind to every level. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied and we never accept success. It is in our nature and it is what drives us.

“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change anything. I have won more than I could have ever dreamed of, but aside from the awards and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stayed true to my principles of honesty and tried to leave each place better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

“And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will stay at Como. But without my boots and shin guards. I look forward to telling you more about it soon.”

United said in a post on X: “You have represented our colours with great success during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next endeavour. 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 protégé as “a leader on the pitch, but also off it, whose opinion was always listened to and respected.”

Madrid also wished him all the best in a statement.

“Raphaël Varane will always remain in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest central defenders in Real Madrid history and as a representative of our club’s values,” it said.

“Real Madrid wishes him and his family good luck in this new chapter of his life.”