Raphael Varane ends his professional football career at the age of 31

Raphael Varane announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31.

“In my career I have taken on many challenges, faced one challenge after another, almost all of which should have been impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. When I think back on those moments, it is with enormous pride and a sense of fulfilment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love,” Varane said in an Instagram post. Varane said he will stay at Como but did not specify in what capacity.

Le Parisien reported on Monday evening that the French defender is considering retirement. Varane suffered a serious knee injury in Como’s Italian Cup match against Sampdoria on August 11. The defender will be out for the entire 2024-25 season.

Varane retires with a full trophy cabinet. During his time at Real Madrid, he won four Champions League titles, four Club World Cups and three La Liga titles, as well as the FA Cup with Manchester United.

The defender has also been outstanding for his country, with Varane helping France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League. He retired from the national team just a year ago after earning 93 caps for Les Bleus.