Raphael Varane is hailed as a ‘legend’ and a ‘leader’ – as the football world pays tribute to the former Man United and Real Madrid star, 31, following his shock retirement

The football world has paid tribute to Raphael Varane after the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star announced his retirement.  

Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month, with the defender subsequently left out of the Italian side’s Serie A squad. 

As a result, Le Parisien had previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering a shock retirement.

And on Wednesday morning, Varane called time on his glittering career, revealing the decision via a post on his Instagram account.

Following the news, several of Varane’s former team-mates and clubs were quick to pay tribute to the Frenchman.

The former Manchester United star has called time on his glittering career in the game

Varane joined Italian side Como in the summer, but suffered a serious knee injury on his debut

After news of his retirement, several of Varane’s former teams paid tribute to the Frenchman

The 31-year-old left United in the summer after making 95 appearances over a three-year spell and the Red Devils shared a heartfelt message.

Posting on X, they said: ‘To @RaphaelVarane, you represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. 

‘We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture. Once a Red, always a Red. Yours, @ManUtd.’

Several of Varane’s former United team-mates also sent their well-wishes to the Frenchman.

Nemanja Matic posted: ‘Happy retirement my friend. It was a pleasure to play with you.’

Diogo Dalot added: ‘Football will miss you. Happy retirement my friend.’

Many other of Varane’s former colleagues piled into the comments on his Instagram post announcing his retirement.

Christian Eriksen simply said: ‘All the best in the future Rapha!,’ while Jesse Lingard sent a love heart emoji.

Back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton said: ‘Congratulations Rapha – what a career,’ while Scott McTominay chimed in with: ‘Legend Rapha, good luck for the (next) stage.’ 

Anthony Elanga, who spent two years as a team-mate of Varane before joining Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, said: ‘It was a great pleasure to have played with you bro.’

Many of Varane’s former team-mates at Real also paid tribute, as Lucas Vazquez said: ‘Thank you Rapha! Legend,’ while Nacho Fernandez – who regularly partnered Varane at centre back – added: ‘Rafa’, with a love heart and prayer emoji.

Louis Saha, who also played for France and United, said: ‘All the very best brother. You have an exceptional career and you can be proud of all the medals but especially the values you passed on in the best way. Bravo and you will achieve even greater things. You’re going to tear it up!!!’

The France national team – for whom Varane won 93 caps and won the 2018 World Cup with – similarly passed on their well-wishes.

Posting on X, they said: ‘Damn dust in the eye. Thanks for the work Raph. We all wish you a good retirement. #ProudtobeBlue.’ 

Como also shared: ‘More to come,’ in reference to Varane’s next steps in the game, with the defender explaining in his retirement statement how he planned to stay with the Serie A club in a role that is yet to be confirmed. 

Many of Varane’s former team-mates at Old Trafford sent heartwarming messages to him

His former colleagues at Real Madrid also paid tribute to the 31-year-old French defender

Varane’s final club Como hinted at the Frenchman’s new role following his retirement 

When announcing his career was coming to an end, Varane had written in a statement: ‘They say all good things must come to an end.

‘In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.

‘I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

‘I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.

‘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.

‘And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

‘For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.

‘Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.’

Varane revealed he was planning to stay with Como in a new role that is yet to be announced

The French central defender, 31, is best known for his glittering 10 years with Real Madrid

The World Cup winner had joined Como  as a free agent over the summer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.

He made the move to Italy on a two-year deal – where he linked up with Cesc Fabregas’ side – and joined fellow former Premier League stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno in Como’s squad.

But Varane has terminated his playing contract with the Serie A outfit as he now prepares for the next chapter of his life. 

Varane, who came through the youth ranks at Lens, played at the top level for 14 years.

After one season in the first team with the Ligue 1 side, the central defender joined Real Madrid in 2011 aged 18. 

He went on to make 360 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey, among several other trophies over a decade. 

The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and displayed his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford.

Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018 and earned 93 caps in total for Les Bleus 

Varane lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three-year spell at the club

His last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley in May, while he also won the Carabao Cup with the club.

Varane shone for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph, with the defender racking up 93 caps in total for Les Bleus before he retired from international duty at the age of 29 in February 2023.