Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane retires at 31.

Rapheal Varane Retires From Football

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Rapheal Varane has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. The world cup winner spent 10 years at Real Madrid and 3 years at Manchester United before moving to Italian side Como in the summer.

Varane had previously been at Real Madrid where he won 3 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 4 Champions Leagues. He has also made 93 appearances for his country while being part of the French World Cup winning squad in 2018. After that expansion, Varane arrived Manchester United from Real Madrid in August 2021 for £34m and helped them to win the Carabao Cup last season but injuries hammered his time at United as he only made 93 appearances and scored just 2 goals for the club. After numerous injuries and lack of game time at United, the player who was once dubbed as the best defensive in the world moved to newly promoted side Como in the Italian top division but a recent injury has made the former world champion reconsider his career options at just 31 years old and making an online league appearance for his new club

In an interview in April 2024, Varane said that concussions suffered in various official matches throughout his career had damaged his body, as he suggested to avoid teaching children heading in grass root football and called for wider awareness among players around the dangers of repeated head trauma to brain health. He also revealed how symptoms of concussions had a negative impact on some of his performances.

In a post on his social media, the former defender said "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." The former defender is expected to stay at the club in a non-playing role.