A closer look at the career of Raphaël Varane

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"Champions League Varane..."

Raphaël Varane is a former French professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Real Madrid, Manchester United and the France national side.

Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football

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Varane playing for France. Photo credit - Xavier NALTCHAYAN | Flickr

The start of his career with Lille

Varane began his career at French club Lens, starting with their youth team. Ahead of the 2010–11 season, he began training with the senior squad and appeared on the bench in several league games. He made his professional debut in 2010 at just 17 years old. 

Becoming an iconic defender at Real Madrid

After one season as a professional, he joined Real Madrid, where he spent ten years, from 2011 to 2021, winning eighteen trophies. These included three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles, and four FIFA Club World Cups. 

Known for his pace, composure, and partnership with Sergio Ramos, many fans believe that he was instrumental in Madrid’s successes. It would be very hard to argue with them. 

One of his most iconic moments at Real Madrid came in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool. Solid as ever in defence, he helped Madrid secure a 3-1 victory and clinch their third consecutive Champions League trophy. His calm and commanding presence at the back was vital as Madrid lifted another major title. He had completed football at this point but there was still more to come.

Moving to Manchester

In 2021, Varane left Real Madrid to join Manchester United, where he won both the EFL Cup and FA Cup during his three-year stay. In 2024, he left Manchester United to sign with newly promoted Serie A side Como as a free agent. 

Despite some injury problems, many United fans seemed to appreciate Varane's effort during his time at Old Trafford. There was even a song by fans on the internet to the tune of Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. You could see he clearly developed a strong relationship with the fans during the post match celebrations after that FA Cup win.

A very short spell in Italy and eventual retirement

However, after only 23 minutes on the pitch, he suffered a knee injury, was removed from the squad, and soon after, in September 2024, he announced his retirement from professional football.

On the international stage

On the international stage, Varane represented France at under-18, under-20, and under-21 levels before making his senior debut in March 2013. He featured in France’s FIFA World Cup squad in 2014, where he was nominated for the Best Young Player award, then in 2018, playing every minute as France claimed the title, and again in 2022, when France finished as runners-up. 

He also took part in UEFA Euro 2020 and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021. Varane retired from international football in 2023, finishing with 93 caps and five goals for France.

Location: 22100 Como, Province of Como, Italy

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