Four-time Champions League winner Varane surprised: I can’t do it anymore, I’m done with football!

French world champion and four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Raphaël Varane, has decided to end his football career. Long-term knee problems forced him to reassess his options and eventually hang up his cleats. His successful career is over, but Varane will remain a part of football off the pitch.

• Varane retires due to long-term knee problems that have limited him in recent months
• In his career, he won four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid and became a world champion with France in 2018
• He will remain with Italian club Como, where he will operate in a new role off the pitch

Varane joined Italian club Como earlier this year but suffered a knee injury after 20 minutes in the Coppa Italia that changed his plans. Although he wanted to continue, he announced the end of his active career due to the injury.

“All good things come to an end. It is with pride and fulfillment that I announce my retirement from football,” Varane wrote on Instagram.

Varane reflected on his rich career. “I have faced many challenges and overcome many obstacles. I feel now is the right time to quit and hang up my cleats,” he added.

Successes with Real Madrid and Manchester United

Varane spent ten years at Real Madrid, where he transferred from RC Lens in 2011. At Madrid, he became one of the best defenders in the world. He won three La Liga titles with the club and triumphed in the Champions League four times. In addition, he added a Copa del Rey victory and four Club World Cup titles.

In 2021, he joined Manchester United for 41 million euros. He has also enjoyed success in England. He helped the team win the FA Cup in 2024 and the League Cup a year earlier. He shone on the international stage by winning the 2018 World Cup with France and playing in the 2022 World Cup final.

A new chapter at Como

Although the Champions League winner has ended his playing career, he remains at Club Como in a different role off the pitch. “A new chapter begins. I will stay with Como even if I no longer wear the football boots. I’m looking forward to this new challenge,” Varane said .

Varane’s career has been full of trophies and admiration that he has won around the world. Although he will no longer be on the pitch, his influence on football and young players will continue off it.

Source: Instagram, Transfermarkt, X