COMO, Italy —
Raphael Varane, the French central defender who was the bulwark of Real Madrid’s defense, announced his retirement as a player on Wednesday, putting an end to a career in which he became a world champion and collected multiple trophies at the club level.
Varane, 33, signed with recently promoted Italian side Como in July. But he injured his knee in his only game for the club against Sampdoria in the Italian Cup last month.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, I rose to the occasion after occasion, almost everything was supposed to be impossible,” Varane wrote in a farewell letter published on Instagram. “As I reflect on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the sport we all love.”
Varane was probably the most outstanding defender when France were crowned champions at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He scored the most important of his five international goals with a header against Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
An elegant defender, with sober ball handling and excellent positional sense thanks to his quick reading of the game, Varane formed a formidable centre-back pairing with Samuel Umtiti in that tournament.
He was also vital for Real Madrid to win four Champions League titles and three Spanish League titles.
He signed with Manchester United in 2021, but was limited to 95 games in his three seasons in England, mainly due to injuries.
Varane started his career with Lens.
“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the fans of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team,” he said. “I have defended every shield with everything I have, and I have loved every minute of the journey. “Football at the highest level is an exciting experience.”
Varane had already retired from the France national team, a few months after the defeat in the World Cup final against Argentina in 2022. During that match, his 93rd with Les Bleus after making his debut in 2023, he collapsed on the grass after being exhausted in the extension.
He became one of the leaders of the national team under coach Didier Deschamps, along with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, midfielder Paul Pogba and attacker Antoine Griezmann.
“Knowing him, I am sure that this decision, which is always difficult to make, required mature reflection,” Deschamps said. “It is the right decision, and we have to respect it. Speed, vision, technique, mental strength. Raphael had all the right virtues for the magnificent career he had.
Varane noted that he will continue in Como: “Just without wearing boots or shin guards. It’s something I hope to share about soon.”
Como achieved its first victory in Serie A in more than 21 years when coach Cesc Fábregas’s team won 2-1 away to Atalanta on Tuesday.
