Raphael Varane, the former French international and Real Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The announcement comes after a glittering career that saw him win a World Cup title with France in 2018 and numerous club trophies with Real Madrid.
Varane began his career at Lens in France before moving to Real Madrid in 2011. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Spanish giants, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos at the heart of the defense. During his time at Real Madrid, Varane won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other domestic and international trophies.
In 2018, Varane played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph in Russia. He was named the tournament’s best defender after helping France keep clean sheets in four of their seven matches. Varane’s performances at the World Cup further cemented his reputation as one of the best defenders in the world.
After the World Cup, Varane moved to Manchester United in 2021. However, his time in England was hampered by injuries, and he was restricted to just 95 appearances in three seasons. Despite his injury struggles, Varane remained a key figure in the Manchester United dressing room, providing guidance and support to his younger teammates.
Varane’s retirement marks the end of an era for French football. He was part of a golden generation of players that included Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba. Together, they helped France win the World Cup in 2018 and reach the final of the 2022 World Cup.
Varane’s legacy as a defender is secure. He was a world-class player who combined physical strength with technical ability. He was also a leader on and off the pitch, and his retirement will be a significant loss for the football world.
