AFCON 2025
Former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and France defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football at 31.
Varane joined Italian side Como on a free transfer in July but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month.
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” Varane wrote on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Varane began his career at French side Lens before joining Real Madrid in 2011. He spent a glittering decade in the Spanish capital, winning 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
At Manchester United, Varane made 95 appearances, winning the 2022 Carabao Cup and lifting the FA Cup in his final game for the club against Manchester City at Wembley in May.
With France, Varane earned 93 caps, winning the 2018 World Cup, and 2021 Nations League, and reaching the 2022 World Cup final.
“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.”
The World Cup winner will remain at Como in a non-playing role.
