Raphael Varane, the former France and Real Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
In July, Varane signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Como, but his debut was cut short due to a knee injury sustained during a match against Sampdoria the following month.
In a social media post, Varane expressed his decision with “immense pride,” reflecting on his career filled with challenges. “I have taken on many challenges, risen to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible,” he wrote.
Despite retiring from playing, Varane will remain with Como in a non-playing role.
Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011 after a stint with French club Lens. His time in Madrid was marked by an impressive 18 trophies.
He made his France debut in 2013, contributing to the team’s World Cup victory in 2018 and winning the Nations League in 2021. Varane also had a spell at Manchester United starting in 2021, where he made over 90 appearances for the club after a transfer valued at more than 40 million euros.
