Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is among a glittering cast of former and current Real Madrid and Manchester United players to pay tribute to Raphael Varane following the defender’s retirement from football at the age of 31, calling the former centre-back “high class” in a social media post honouring his long-time friend.
Varane and Benzema won the Champions League four times and a hat-trick of Spanish titles among a haul of trophies with Madrid between 2011 and 2021, as well as the 2022 World Cup with France.
Benzema was in equally prestigious company as he lauded Varane, who announced his decision to quit playing on Wednesday because of a serious knee injury he suffered at new team Como in Serie A.
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Ramos Instagram tribute
“So many memories, so many battles together, so many good times,” wrote Sergio Ramos, a frequent Madrid defensive partner during Varane’s 10 years at the club.
“On the field, we had a natural understanding with each other. Enjoy this new phase of your life, Rafa. All the best, my friend. See you soon.”
Champions League holders Madrid said Varane, who joined the club as an 18-year-old, would “always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans”, praising him for being “one of the greatest centre-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club”.
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
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life,” the reigning Spanish champions added.
Pogba, who remains United’s most expensive signing and was at the club with Varane between 2021 and 2022, described playing with him as “a pleasure”.
Football will miss you, Rapha ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/5l3PTD3BQ3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024
Varane retires: United stars react
Current United captain Bruno Fernandes and centre-back Lisandro Martinez echoed Pogba’s words, while striker Rasmus Hojlund called Varane a “legend” and defender Diogo Dalot labelled him a “warrior”.
Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen and Tom Heaton were also among the United players to salute Varane. “What a journey,” goalkeeper Andre Onana told him. “What a player. Football will miss you.”
𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐞̈𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 (𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞) 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 🔴🟡
Arrivé en 2002 au Racing, @raphaelvarane s’impose rapidement dans les équipes #MadeInGaillette et signe son premier contrat professionnel en 2010.#DeSangEtDor pic.twitter.com/oVODwfSPCF
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) September 25, 2024
United thanked Varane, calling him “classy” and noting that his final performance had been “characteristically polished” in their 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May.
Varane’s first club as a professional, Lens, shared a photo of him as part of a junior team as a child. “Arriving at the club at the age of nine, the elegant defender and man of value left an indelible mark on the history of the club and football,” they said.
“He quickly established himself in [the club’s youth] teams and signed his first professional contract in 2010. We are proud to salute your exceptional career.”
