Raphaël Varane

Raphaël Varane, born on April 25, 1993, is a distinguished French former professional footballer renowned for his role as a centre-back. His football journey began at a young age with the youth team of French club Lens, where he quickly progressed to train with the senior squad ahead of the 2010–11 season. Varane made his professional debut at just seventeen years old in 2010, showcasing his potential and talent on the field.

In 2011, Varane made a significant move to Real Madrid, where he would spend the next decade solidifying his reputation as one of the top defenders in the world. During his time with the club, he amassed an impressive collection of eighteen trophies, including three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles, and four FIFA Club World Cups, marking an illustrious chapter in his career.

After leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Varane joined Manchester United, where he continued to add to his accolades by winning the EFL Cup and FA Cup during his three-year tenure. In 2024, he signed with Serie A side Como as a free agent, but his time there was cut short due to a knee injury that limited his playtime to just twenty-three minutes. Subsequently, he announced his retirement from professional football in September 2024.

On the international stage, Varane represented France at various youth levels before making his senior debut in March 2013. He was a key player in France's FIFA World Cup campaigns, contributing to the team's success in 2018 when they emerged victorious and also participating in the tournaments of 2014 and 2022. Additionally, he played in UEFA Euro 2020 and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021. Varane concluded his international career in 2023, having earned ninety-three caps and scored five goals.