After an illustrious career, Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement.
This decision was made mutually between him and his new club FC Como, after recent injury struggles.
Varane broke this news to fans by issuing this heartfelt statement, via his Instagram account:
“They say all good things must come to an end.
In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.
I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.
I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and 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 have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.
I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.
And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads.
Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.
For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.
Thank you, football.
With love, Rapha”
A Career Overwhelmed with Success
Raphaël Varane is one of very few players who won practically every trophy any player could dream of, league titles, domestic cups, champions leagues, and the biggest prize of all; the World Cup.
From the beginning, Raphaël Varane played an instrumental role in pushing his team to success.
RC Lens (2010-2011)
Varane began his career in France, where he worked his way up from the youth team to the first team of RC Lens at 17 years old. He quickly showed his class and attracted attention from all over Europe.
Real Madrid (2011-2021)
At just 18 years old, Varane earned himself a transfer to Real Madrid, arguably the best club in the world if not ever. His early years at Real Madrid consisted of him playing as a rotation CB, stepping in when needed to support the legendary CB partnership of Pepe and Sergio Ramos.
By 2016, Varane had cemented his place in Madrid’s starting XI, taking the place of Pepe and forming a key partnership with Sergio Ramos. He expertly played his role in continuing the huge legacy of Real Madrid, winning numerous trophies year after year.
His trophy haul during his time at Madrid is something out of this world:
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- 3 La Liga titles
- 4 FIFA Club World Cups
- 1 Copa del Rey
Manchester United (2021-2024)
In 2021, Varane completed his move to Manchester, joining at the same time as his former teammate Cristiano.
Although the team in 2021 didn’t live up to what was expected of it, Varane continued to put on stellar performances, forming defensive partnerships with Harry Maguire and later Lisandro Martinez.
Varane put in huge displays to help Manchester United end their nearly six-year trophy drought, by winning the Carabao Cup in 2023, and later, in his last game for the club the 2024 FA Cup.
International Career
On the international stage, Varane quickly became a key player in the French National team.
By far his biggest achievement in his career came when he won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when he was undeniably at the peak of his career and easily one of, if not the best CB in world football.
However, he was still not done, and also helped France to win the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
Varane’s international career was just as successful as his club career, earning 90 caps for France and captaining the team on numerous occasions.
He retired from International football in 2023
FC Como – The End (2024)
This summer, in 2024, Varane left Manchester United to join FC Como, undoubtedly a smart move considering he was slowing down in football and wanted a good club to end his esteemed career.
However, after completing only one league appearance for Como, being cut short by an injury, Varane decided to make the difficult, yet necessary decision to retire from professional football.
He is still going to play a role in football at Como, however his playing days are now over.
Varane’s career was filled with consistency, success, major trophies, and more success. He is undoubtedly one of the defensive greats of the game and I think we might look back on Varane’s career and realise that he may have deserved to get a bit more recognition than he did during his football journey.
