Raphaël Varane Retires from Football at 31, Transitioning to Non-Playing Role at Como

Posted : 25 September 2024

Raphaël Varane, the former defender for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the French national team, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Varane had recently joined Italian club Como on a free transfer in July, but his debut against Sampdoria ended in disappointment due to a knee injury. Despite stepping away from playing, he plans to remain with Como in a non-playing capacity, expressing his desire to continue contributing to the club.

In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Varane reflected on his decision, stating, "I hold myself to the highest standard; I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game." He emphasized the courage it takes to listen to one’s heart and instincts when making such significant life changes. Varane's career began at Lens in France, where he spent a single season before moving to Real Madrid in 2011, where he enjoyed a remarkable decade and amassed an impressive 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.

In 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United for an initial fee of £34 million and made 95 appearances for the club despite ongoing injury challenges. He helped the team secure the Carabao Cup in 2022, with his last match being a victorious FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley in May. Varane also had a successful international career, making his debut for France in 2013, earning 93 caps, and winning the World Cup in 2018 as well as the Nations League in 2021. He noted that he has "fallen and risen a thousand times," and felt it was the right moment to retire on a high note after winning a trophy.

Looking ahead, Varane expressed enthusiasm for his new journey off the pitch, stating, "A new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como, just without using my boots and shin pads." He has been candid about the toll that football has taken on his body, previously mentioning that he had "damaged his body" due to the impact of heading the ball and sharing experiences of playing with concussion. Varane has advocated for greater awareness and protection regarding player health, particularly concerning the long-term effects of injuries sustained during matches.

Raphaël Varane Retires from Football at 31, Transitioning to Non-Playing Role at Como

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