Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has officially called time on his illustrious career after a recent injury disrupted his fresh start at Italian club Como. The centre-back’s statement on Instagram confirmed recent reports that he was considering halting his playing career due to yet another fitness problem.
The 31-year-old departed Old Trafford when his contract ended in July earlier this year. He returned from injury late last season to help his team win the FA Cup in his final game for the club over noisy neighbours, Manchester City. But while the Frenchman bid farewell to the Premier League, he has since struggled to do the same with ongoing fitness issues.
Battles to stay fit have been a frequent problem for the 93-cap France international in recent seasons, but a free transfer to Serie A side Como – who are managed by Varane’s former Barcelona adversary, Cesc Fabregas – offered the centre-back a lifeline as he aims to prolong his playing days. But his most recent obstacle has now been confirmed as his last.
Varane Confirms Retirement in Statement
The 31-year-old couldn’t stay fit
Signing a two-year deal at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Varane’s move to Fabregas’ side represented somewhat of a step-down for the defender after more than a decade playing for elite clubs, collecting trophies throughout the entire process. Nevertheless, it was also a sign of Como’s ambition to compete in Italy’s premier division following their promotion last term.
He was one of several high-profile names who joined Fabregas’s project this summer, including former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto and ex-Liverpool stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno. In unfortunate circumstances, though, Varane made his debut for his new club in the Coppa Italia clash against Sampdoria in August, and he was forced off after just 23 minutes.
Reports confirmed that he suffered an issue with the flexor muscle in his thigh and that he would be out for a while. In the meantime, Fabregas-led Como also made the decision to omit him from their official squad list until the next registration date.
As expected, the former Los Blancos star has failed to play since, and, as a result, the 31-year-old has put out an official statement, confirming that he is hanging up his boots after winning pretty much all there is to win for both club and country. It reads:
“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 fulfillment 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.”
Previously, Marca reported that Como were considering terminating Varane’s contract, just a month after unveiling him as their new signing. The report described the situation as reaching a ‘critical point’ and while Fabregas was – at that time – still firmly behind his player, it claimed Varane was considering retirement.
Raphael Varane’s Career
His eventual retirement will bring an end to a glittering time on the pitch
Varane joined United for £34m in 2021, leaving Real Madrid as one of the most decorated players in Europe with three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues to his name. Playing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Iker Casillas in the Spanish capital, success was never hard to come by for the imperious centre-back.
Over the course of 10 seasons from 2011 to 2021, he won 18 total club trophies including a quartet of Champions League winners’ medals. With the French national team, Varane was also able to notch a World Cup title in 2018, as he made over 90 caps for his country, including playing every minute in that successful run.
| Varane Career Statistics – Club and Country | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club/Country | Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow/Red Cards |
| Real Madrid | 360 | 17 | 7 | 24/2 |
| Manchester United | 95 | 2 | 1 | 5/0 |
| RC Lens | 24 | 2 | 0 | 3/0 |
| Como 1907 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 |
| France | 93 | 5 | 1 | 3/1 |
At Old Trafford, he found room to put a League Cup and FA Cup winners’ medal in his sparkling trophy cabinet. However, the Red Devils opted not to extend his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season, instead choosing to rebuild their back line with a number of new signings.
Erik ten Hag and his entourage saw off interest from Real Madrid to sign Leny Yoro from Lille – with the teenager still waiting to make his debut after suffering a foot injury during pre-season. Matthijs de Ligt also arrived from Bayern Munich along with full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
