Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The defender, who recently signed with Serie A club Como, made the decision following a knee injury sustained during his only appearance for the club in an Italian Cup match against Sampdoria. Varane took to Instagram to share the news, expressing pride and fulfillment in his career which saw him win a World Cup title with France in 2018 and numerous club trophies with Real Madrid.
Varane’s career was marked by success, having won four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies with Real Madrid. He also spent a brief stint at Manchester United in 2021 before joining Como. Despite facing challenges with injuries during his time in England, Varane reflected on his journey from his beginnings at Lens to representing top clubs like Madrid and Manchester United. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in his career and stated that he had no regrets.
In addition to his club accomplishments, Varane also had a successful international career with the French national team. He played a crucial role in their World Cup victory in 2018 and had previously announced his retirement from the national team following their final defeat to Argentina in 2022. Varane shared that he will remain with Como in a different capacity, indicating that he will be involved with the club in a non-playing role moving forward.
Como, under the leadership of coach Cesc Fabregas, recently secured their first Serie A victory in over 21 years with a 3-2 win against Atalanta. The club’s success on the pitch coincided with Varane’s retirement announcement, marking a bittersweet moment for the former defender as he transitions into a new chapter post-playing career. As Varane bids farewell to the game he loves, he leaves behind a legacy of achievements and memories that will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
