Raphaël Varane has officially announced he is hanging up his boots. The French former Real Madrid and Manchester United, who most recently turned out for Italian Serie A side Como, has taken the decision following a serious knee injury that occurred during a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria.
The Frenchman joined the newly promoted Serie A team after departing Manchester United at the end of the 2023-2024 season. Now, just a few months into his Como career, Varane has decided to call it quits entirely.
He was substituted in the 23rd minute after obtaining a knee injury. A few weeks later, Varane was dropped entirely from the squad list, which ultimately triggered Varane to call it quits on his fourteen-year professional career.
Varane took to the official Como X account to officially address fans and the public about his decision.
“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,” Varane wrote.
“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates, and the supporters of every team that 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 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.”
Varane then suggested a future role in backroom capacity, although to what degree remains to be seen. “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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Varane started his career at Lens in the youth team, breaking out in 2010, becoming one of their youngest-ever captains. This breakthrough at such a young age garnered the attention of Real Madrid, who secured his signing in June 2011 at the age of just 18. At Real Madrid, Varane would go on to win a slew of trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018), and three La Liga titles (2012, 2017, and 2020).
After making 360 club appearances and scoring 17 goals for Real Madrid, Varane then decided to take a new challenge and join English Premier League side Manchester United, where he would go on to make another 95 appearances, winning the FA Cup in 2024 and League Cup in 2023.
In May 2024, Varane announced he would leave Manchester United as a free agent, making his last appearance in the aforementioned FA Cup Final, winning 2-1 against rivals Manchester City. It was then announced he would sign for Serie A side Como on a two-year deal, ultimately only making one appearance before obtaining the knee injury. He also ends his France career, making a total of 93 appearances and scoring five goals.
