OFFICIAL: Raphael Varane retires from football

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 25 Sept 2024 09:24 BST
• 7 min read

Raphael Varane has officially retired from professional football.

It has brought an end to a storied career that saw him turn out with Real Madrid and Manchester United among others.

It was reported on Tuesday via Matteo Moretto that the centre-back has decided to hang up his boots at the age of just 31.

Le Parisien had also revealed that Varane was on the brink of terminating his contract with Serie A side Como, which was only signed in the summer, and that he was considering quitting the game.

Moretto then confirmed the decision via a tweet. “Raphael Varane is retiring from football. The decision has been made,” he reports.

Today - September 25th - Varane has confirmed that he is leaving the game behind. He posted on Instagram a lengthy goodbye post which read: "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. Thank you, football. With love, Rapha."

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A post shared by Raphael Varane (@raphaelvarane)

Why is Raphael Varane retiring from football?

Varane had been plagued with injury problems in the recent years of his career and following the 2022 World Cup, in which he gave a titanic performance for France in their failed attempt to defend the trophy, he elected to quit international football in a bid to prolong his club career.

This proved in vain as Saliba was restricted in the number of outings he was able to make with Manchester United in each of the last two seasons.

A decision was taken to leave Old Trafford in the summer. As a free agent, Varane had been linked with a potential move to Ligue 1 side Lens, where he had come through the youth ranks and made his senior debut before moving to Real Madrid, yet it was Como and Cesc Fabregas who attracted him.

On debut for the newly promoted Serie A side in a Coppa Italia clash against Sampdoria, Varane suffered an injury that he has been unable to overcome rapidly, and as such it appears he has decided to quit the game.

Varane will bow out of the game with four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, plus three LaLiga crowns. At Manchester United, he won the 2023/24 FA Cup, while he hit the pinnacle of international football by winning the 2018 World Cup with France.