At the age of 31, Raphael Varane, one of modern football’s greatest defenders, has made the difficult decision to retire from professional football. The announcement came after a series of injuries, culminating in a knee injury just minutes into his debut for Serie A club Como in 2024. Instead of undergoing another long rehabilitation process, Varane chose to transition into a coaching role, marking the end of an illustrious playing career.
Varane’s legacy in football is cemented by a string of achievements that few players in the history of the game can match. From his time as a rising star at Real Madrid to his crowning glory with the French national team, Varane has left a lasting impact on the world of football. Let’s look back at the five defining moments of Raphael Varane’s remarkable career.
5. FA Cup Farewell at Manchester United
Varane’s tenure at Manchester United was often overshadowed by recurring injuries, but his final appearance in the 2023 FA Cup final was a moment of brilliance and resilience. Despite a challenging spell at United, Varane delivered one of his finest performances in his last full 90 minutes for the club.
In the final, Manchester United faced their fierce local rivals, Manchester City, in a match many expected City to dominate. However, he rose to the occasion, putting in a rock-solid defensive display alongside Lisandro Martinez. His tactical awareness and calmness on the ball were instrumental in United’s 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s City, a team known for their attacking prowess. Varane was particularly effective in neutralizing Erling Haaland, one of the world’s most lethal strikers, proving that even in his final days as a player, he remained a top-tier defender.
This FA Cup victory allowed Varane to end his Manchester United career on a high note, cementing his status as a player who could shine brightest when it mattered most.
4. Early Career El Clásico Heroics (2013)
One of the moments that announced Varane as a rising star in world football came in 2013 during the fiercely contested El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. In a two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final, a 19-year-old Varane faced the daunting task of defending against some of the greatest players of all time, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi.
Varane not only held his ground but excelled. In the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, he scored a crucial equalizer, becoming the second-youngest foreign player to score in El Clásico. His defensive work was nothing short of outstanding, as he thwarted Barcelona’s dangerous attacks.
In the second leg at the Camp Nou, Varane further solidified his reputation with another stellar performance, scoring again and helping Real Madrid secure a place in the final. This match was a defining moment in Varane’s career, showcasing his composure, intelligence, and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
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3. Multiple Champions League Titles with Real Madrid
Winning the UEFA Champions League is often considered the pinnacle of club football, and Varane did so an astonishing four times with Real Madrid. His role in Madrid’s European dominance during the 2010s cannot be understated, as he was a crucial component of the team’s defense alongside Sergio Ramos.
He featured prominently in three of those four finals, including the 2014, 2017, and 2018 triumphs. His ability to read the game, combined with his speed and aerial prowess, made him one of the most reliable defenders in European football during this period. Real Madrid’s incredible run of success in the Champions League, with four titles in five years, is something few teams or players have achieved, and Varane’s contributions were vital to that success.
By the time he left Real Madrid, Varane had established himself as one of the most decorated players in modern football, with four Champions League medals to his name.
2. The Unstoppable 2018 Season
If there was ever a year that encapsulated Raphael Varane’s greatness, it was 2018. That year, Varane achieved something most players can only dream of: winning both the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and the FIFA World Cup with France.
Varane’s performances throughout the 2017/18 season were nothing short of spectacular. After helping Real Madrid secure their third consecutive Champions League title, he shifted focus to the World Cup, where he was arguably the best defender in the tournament. His ability to lead from the back, make crucial interceptions, and even contribute with goals made him stand out as the world’s best center-back.
In recognition of his stellar performances, Varane earned spots in several prestigious Best XI teams, including the FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year. His dominance that year is a testament to his versatility, consistency, and winning mentality.
1. The Ultimate Achievement: 2018 World Cup Victory
While Varane has won many titles in his career, none are more prestigious than the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which he lifted with the French national team. His contributions to France’s campaign were pivotal, as he played a key role in their defensive line and was a constant threat during set-pieces.
Varane’s standout performance came in the quarter-final against Uruguay, where he scored a crucial header to put France on course to the semi-finals. His leadership and defensive abilities shone throughout the tournament, helping France keep four clean sheets, including a monumental effort in the semi-final against Belgium.
As France went on to win their second World Cup, his role in the team was universally recognized, with many regarding him as one of the best players of the tournament. His World Cup triumph is the crowning moment of his career, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
A Lasting Legacy in Football
Raphael Varane’s decision to retire at the age of 31 may have come as a shock to many, but his achievements over his career ensure his place among football’s elite. From his early days at Real Madrid to his FA Cup farewell at Manchester United, Varane consistently performed at the highest level, winning numerous trophies and earning global recognition.
Although his playing days have ended,his legacy as a World Cup winner, Champions League icon, and one of the best defenders of his era will live on for years to come.
