Ex-Real Madrid star Raphael Varane took to Instagram to announce that he is retiring from football. He also hinted at a possible coaching role at his current side. Read more to find out why he’s retiring so young and what impact he had on Spanish football in his time playing in La Liga.
La Liga Legend Raphael Varane Hangs Up His Boots
One Injury Too Many
Four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane has announced that he will be retiring from football effective immediately. The Frenchman signed for newly promoted Serie A side, Como 1907, in the summer but only made one appearance for the club. In that solitary match, he was subbed off injured after only 23 minutes – the 23rd injury of his career (according to transfermarkt.com).
It was meant to be a move to start winding down his career whilst still maintaining top-flight football. Cesc Fabregas’ side welcomed Varane from Manchester United on a two-year deal with an option to extend. They had hoped the World Cup winner would help them maintain Serie A status, bringing experience from his remarkable career for club and country.
In Varane’s post on Instagram, he said “I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads”. This would suggest he’ll be joining Fabregas’ coaching team or perhaps taking a behind-the-scenes role working with Sporting Director, Carlalberto Ludi.
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A Career Of Silverware
In his time in the Spanish capital, Varane helped Real Madrid to plenty of domestic success. He is a three-time La Liga Champion, a three-time Spanish Super Cup Champion and has a Copa del Rey medal too.
He formed a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos at the back, protecting goalkeepers such as Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas. Notoriously two-footed, Varane played on the left side of central defence, with club legend Marcelo flanking him. He regularly linked up with the midfield in front of him which contained players such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
It was with this cohort of iconic names that Varane would be a part of arguably the best team in European football history. Three consecutive Champions League titles were won between the years 2016 and 2018, with the 2014 edition also being won by Los Blancos. Varane was an integral part of that side that dominated continental football, leaving his trophy cabinet with another three UEFA Super Cups as well.
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International Icon
It wasn’t just in his club career where he reaped the trophies. During his 93 senior caps for France, Varane won the World Cup and was a European Championships runner-up too. He and Samuel Umtiti patrolled a back line at Russia 2018 that won France their second star, the nation’s first World Cup in 20 years.
He would ultimately retire from international football in February 2023, ending a 10-year run with Les Bleus. At only 29 years old, it caught many people by surprise as he could have easily become one of France’s most capped players of all time were he to prolong his career.
Calling an end to his playing career aged 31, due to his latest injury, Varane brings a close to the book of one of the best defenders in European history and one of the best footballers of the 2010s.
