France World Cup winner Raphaël Varane announced his retirement from football on Wednesday at the age of 31. Despite stepping away from the pitch, he will remain with Italian club Como in a non-playing role.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United center-back joined Como earlier this season but was left out of their Serie A squad after suffering a knee injury in August.
In a social media post, Varane wrote, “A new life begins off the pitch. I will stay with Como, just without my boots and shin pads. I’ll share more about this soon.”
The four-time Champions League winner began his career at French club Lens before moving to Real Madrid at the age of 18 in 2011. In his debut season in Madrid, he claimed his first of three La Liga titles and later helped secure the club’s first of four Champions League crowns in 2014. Varane won a league and European double with the Spanish giants in 2017.
He moved to Manchester United in 2024, where he won both the League Cup and FA Cup before departing Old Trafford to join Cesc Fabregas’ newly-promoted Como last season. However, he made only one appearance in the Coppa Italia before sustaining a knee injury.
Reflecting on his career, Varane said, “From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and representing my country, I have defended every badge with everything I have and loved every moment of the journey.”
He also added, “I have achieved more than I ever dreamed of. But beyond the trophies and accolades, I am proud of staying true to my values and leaving every place better than I found it.”
Varane made his international debut for France in 2013, with the highlight of his career coming in 2018 when he won the World Cup. He ended his international career two years ago with 93 caps.
Several former teammates paid tribute to Varane, including Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who posted on Instagram, “It was a pleasure for all of us.”
