Wed Sep 25 09:56:03 UTC 2024: ## France’s World Cup Winner Raphael Varane Retires at 31 After Knee Injury

**London, UK** – French footballing legend Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, ending a career filled with success and accolades. Varane’s decision comes after he sustained a serious knee injury during his debut for Serie A club Como in July.

Varane, a key figure in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, made 93 appearances for his national team, also playing a pivotal role in their runner-up finish at the 2022 World Cup. He began his club career at Ligue 1 side Lens before joining Real Madrid in 2011, where he enjoyed an incredibly successful spell, winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies in 360 appearances.

In 2021, Varane moved to Manchester United, making 95 appearances for the English side and adding the League Cup (2023) and FA Cup (2024) to his trophy cabinet.

“I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up,” wrote Varane on Instagram, adding that his final game was winning the FA Cup at Wembley. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he continued, highlighting his pride in sticking to his principles of sincerity and leaving a positive impact wherever he went.

While Varane is retiring from playing, he will remain with Como in a non-playing role. “A new life begins off the pitch,” Varane said, promising to share more details about this new chapter soon.

Varane’s retirement marks the end of an era for French football, but his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.

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