Ex-Man Utd and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces retirement due to knee injury

Raphael Varane has made a shocking announcement by retiring from football at the age of 31 considering his injury struggles. The former Real Madrid defender had joined newly promoted Serie A side Como in the summer before sustaining a serious knee injury on his debut in a Coppa Italia game against Sampdoria.

Following a three-year stint with Manchester United, which was often plagued with injury issues, Varane moved to Italy for a new challenge in a shocking move, becoming one of the marquee signings of Coma, managed by former Spanish footballer Cesc Fabregas. However, it has turned out to be a fleeting stay while, above all, forcing him to hang up his boots prematurely.

“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. 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,” wrote Varane.

Varane’s injury woes have proved to be a stumbling block for him in recent years, having missed 48 games during his time at Man Utd through a spate of issues.

Nonetheless, the French centre-back will be remembered for his prime years at Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. He was instrumental in the four Champions League titles, three La Liga victories, three FIFA Club World Cups, and several other domestic trophies. He also translated his success to the national team, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Even during his underwhelming spell at Man Utd, Varane got his hands at the EFL Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, which would turn out to be his swan song, capping off a magnificent career albeit a premature one in the best way possible.

A highly decorated footballer in history, Varane was bestowed with the Knight of Legion of Honour in 2018, the highest French order of merit, for his profound success with Real Madrid and the France national team.

From starting his career with Lens to conquering the world at Real Madrid as one of the best defenders, Varane’s legacy will be etched in the upper echelons of football history.

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