The 2018 World Cup winner has struggled with a serious knee injury he suffered after joining Italian club Como from Manchester United in July.

France’s World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31, bringing down the curtain on his successful career after suffering a serious knee injury.

Varane made 93 appearances for France from 2013 to 2022, playing a key role in their 2018 World Cup victory in Russia and their runners-up finish four years later in Qatar.

Varane began his club career at Ligue 1 side Lens, before joining Real Madrid in 2011, where he played 360 times and won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies in a trophy-laden spell.

He joined United in 2021, making 95 appearances in all competitions for the English side and helping them win the League Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, before moving to Serie A club Como in July where he suffered a knee injury on his debut.

“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,” Varane wrote in a post on Instagram, referencing United’s FA Cup win in May.

“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.”

Varane added that he would remain at Como in a nonplaying role.

“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,” Varane said.

Manchester United paid a tribute to their former defender and thanked him for his “humility, leadership and commitment” in a post on X.

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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rEjeNHNF7Z

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024