The football world has paid tribute to Raphael Varane after the fformer Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star announced his retirement.
Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years, suffering a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month, with the defender subsequently out of the Italian club’s Serie A squad.
As a result, The Parisian had previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering retirement.
On Wednesday morning, Varane put an end to his glittering career. He announced his decision via a message on his Instagram account.
Following the news, several of Varane’s former teammates and clubs rushed to pay tribute to the Frenchman.
Legendary French defender Raphael Varane, 31, has announced his retirement from football
The former Manchester United star has ended his glittering career in the sport
Varane joined Italian side Como in the summer but suffered a serious knee injury on his debut
Following the news of his retirement, several of Varane’s former teams paid tribute to the Frenchman
The 31-year-old left United last summer after making 95 appearances in three years, and the Red Devils shared a heartfelt message.
They posted a message on X: ‘To @RaphaelVarane, you have represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford.
‘We thank you for your humility, leadership and dedication. May these qualities serve you well in your next endeavor. Once a Red, always a Red. Kind regards, @ManUtd.’
Several of Varane’s former teammates at United also sent their congratulations to the Frenchman.
Nemanja Matic posted: ‘Happy retirement my friend. It was a pleasure playing with you.’
Diogo Dalot added: ‘Football will miss you. Happy retirement, my friend.’
Many other former colleagues of Varane reacted to the Instagram post in which he announced his retirement.
Christian Eriksen simply said: ‘All the best for the future, Rapha!’, while Jesse Lingard sent a love heart emoji.
Reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton said: ‘Congratulations Rapha, what a career,’ while Scott McTominay said in the conversation: ‘Legend Rapha, good luck in the (next) phase.’
Anthony Elanga, who was Varane’s teammate for two years before joining Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, said: “It was a great pleasure playing with you, bro.”
Many of Varane’s former Real teammates also paid tribute, with Lucas Vazquez saying: “Thank you Rapha! Legend,” while Nacho Fernandez – who regularly accompanied Varane at centre-back – added: “Rafa,” with a love heart and prayer emoji.
Louis Saha, who also played for France and United, said: ‘Good luck bro. You have an exceptional career and you can be proud of all the medals, but especially of the values that you have passed on in the best way. Bravo and you will achieve even greater things. You are going to tear it up!!!’
The French national team, with whom Varane played 93 international matches and won the 2018 World Cup, also wished him the best of luck.
They posted on X: ‘Damn dust in your eyes. Thanks for the work Raph. We all wish you a happy retirement. #ProudtobeBlue.’
Como also shared: “There is more to come,” referring to Varane’s next steps in the game, with the defender explaining in his farewell statement how he planned to remain at the Serie A club in a role that has yet to be confirmed.
Many of Varane’s former teammates at Old Trafford sent him heartwarming messages
His former colleagues at Real Madrid also paid tribute to the 31-year-old French defender
Varane’s last club Como hinted at the Frenchman’s new role after retirement
When Varane announced that his career was coming to an end, he wrote in a statement: ‘They say all good things must come to an end.
‘In my career I have taken on many challenges, risen from opportunity to opportunity, almost everything seemed impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the sport we all love.
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to start strong, not just hold on to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and need are two different things. I have fallen and gotten up a thousand times, and this time it is the time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game, winning a trophy at Wembley.
‘I have enjoyed fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and have enjoyed every minute of the journey. Competing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It tests every level of your body and mind. The emotions we experience cannot be found anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, we never accept success. It is our nature and what drives us.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change anything. I have won more than I could ever have imagined, but apart from the awards and trophies, I am proud that, no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of honesty and tried to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.
‘And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will stay with Como. Only without using my boots and shin guards. Something I will share more about soon.
‘For now, to the supporters of every club I’ve played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than I could ever have imagined.
‘Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.’
Varane revealed he planned to stay at Como in a new role yet to be announced
The 31-year-old French central defender is best known for his brilliant 10 years at Real Madrid
The world champion left for Como as a free agent last summer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.
He signed a two-year contract with Italy, where he joined Cesc Fabregas’ team. He was part of the Como squad alongside former Premier League stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno.
But Varane has terminated his contract with the Serie A club as he prepares for the next chapter in his life.
Varane, who attended Lens’ youth academy, played at the highest level for 14 years.
After one season in the first team of the Ligue 1 club, the central defender left for Real Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18.
He played 360 games for the Spanish giants and won three La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and the Copa del Rey in ten years.
The Frenchman joined United in 2021 and showed his qualities during his three years at Old Trafford, despite the injuries he had.
Varane won the 2018 World Cup with France and played a total of 93 international matches for Les Bleus
Varane won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three-year spell at the club
In his final game in a United shirt he lifted the FA Cup, starting the 2-1 win over Man City at Wembley in May, and also won the Carabao Cup with the club.
Varane shone for France during their World Cup triumph in 2018. The defender made 93 appearances for Les Bleus before retiring from international duty in February 2023 at the age of 29.