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Raphaël Varane

Raphaël Varane is a French former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Raphaël Varane is a French former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He spent most of his club career at Real Madrid, later played for Manchester United and Como, and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.

Early life and youth career

Varane was born in Lille, France. He came through the youth system at RC Lens and progressed into senior football there before moving to Real Madrid as a teenager.

Real Madrid career

Varane signed for Real Madrid in 2011 at age 18 and remained with the club for 10 seasons. During that period, he made 360 official appearances and won 18 major titles, including four UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.

Manchester United and Como

In 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United, where he played until 2024 and won the EFL Cup and FA Cup. He briefly joined Como in 2024 but retired from professional football on 25 September 2024 due to injury issues.

International career

Varane represented France at senior level from 2013 to 2023. He was part of the squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He announced his retirement from international football in 2023.

Key facts

  • Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011 at age 18 and remained there for 10 seasons.
  • He won 18 trophies with Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.
  • He later played for Manchester United from 2021 to 2024 and won the EFL Cup and FA Cup there.
  • He briefly joined Como in 2024 before retiring from professional football.
  • Varane was part of France's 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
  • He announced his retirement from international football in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

What position did Raphaël Varane play?
He played as a centre-back, a central defensive role.
Which clubs did Raphaël Varane play for?
He played senior club football for RC Lens, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Como.
How many Champions League titles did he win with Real Madrid?
He won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Did Raphaël Varane win the World Cup?
Yes. He was part of France's squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
When did Raphaël Varane retire?
He retired from professional football on 25 September 2024.
When did he retire from international football?
He retired from France's national team in 2023.

References

  1. Real Madrid — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/the-club/history/football-legends/raphael-varane
    Supports: Birthplace, date of birth, position, Real Madrid tenure, trophies, appearances, World Cup mention
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapha%C3%ABl_Varane
    Supports: Club timeline, trophy totals, Manchester United spell
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapha%C3%ABl_Varane
    Supports: International career, retirement from France, club timeline
  4. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapha%C3%ABl_Varane
    Supports: Retirement from professional football, Como spell, club timeline
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio?id=153053
    Supports: Birthdate, nationality, position, club career overview
  6. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/raphael-varane/profil/spieler/164770
    Supports: Birthplace, height, nationality, position, retirement status, youth clubs