France World Cup winner Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football on Wednesday at the age of 31, revealing that he will stay with Como in a non-playing role. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United center-back joined the Italian club this season but was later excluded from their Serie A squad after sustaining a knee injury in August.
"A new life begins off the pitch," Varane stated on social media. "I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads." He added, "Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon." Varane, a four-time Champions League winner, emerged from the academy at French club Lens before joining Madrid at 18 in 2011. He secured his first of three La Liga titles in his debut season in Spain.
In 2014, he won his first of four Champions League titles, achieving a league and European double three years later. Varane moved to United in 2024, lifting a League Cup and an FA Cup with the English club. He left Old Trafford last season to join newly-promoted Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, but played only one Coppa Italia match due to a knee injury.
"From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team," Varane reflected. "I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey." With Les Bleus, Varane debuted in 2013, with his international career peaking in 2018 with World Cup success. He concluded his France career two years ago with 93 caps.
"I have won more than I could have even dreamed of," Varane said. "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." Various former teammates paid tribute to Varane, including United's Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes, who said on Instagram, "It was a pleasure for all of us."
