France defender Raphaël Varane retires from football

France World Cup winner Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement from football, bringing down the curtain on a career which saw him win four Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

The former France defender was set to play for Como this season in Serie A, but he announced his immediate retirement from the sport on Wednesday due to a knee injury. He played just 20 minutes at Como in a Coppa Italia match, before sustaining the injury. Varane will stay with Como in a yet undefined non-playing role.

Varane had been struggling with injury after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season on a free transfer. He agreed to join Cesc Fabregas at Como, but he has made the call to retire.

"They say all good things must come to an end," Varane said in a statement posted to Instagram.

"In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.

"I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things."

The announcement ends a career which saw him play for a decade at Madrid after joining the Spanish giants from Lens in 2011. He played 360 times for Madrid and won three La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020) along with four Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). He also won the 2014 Copa del Rey there, alongside the Club World Cup in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

He moved to United for a fee in the region of €41 million ($46m) in 2021 and helped them to the 2024 FA Cup and 2023 League Cup. At international level, he was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.

Varane added in his statement: "I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it's the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

"I have loved 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 loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.

"I have no regrets, I wouldn't change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

"And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon."

United said in a post on X: "You represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture. Once a Red, always a Red."

France manager Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Varane in a statement from the French Football Federation, describing his former charge as "a leader on the pitch but also off it, where his opinion was always listened to and respected."

Madrid also wished him well in a statement.

"Raphaël Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest centre-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club," it read.

"Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life."