Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, along with a host of ex and current Real Madrid and Manchester United players, paid tribute to Raphael Varane upon his retirement from football at the age of 31. Benzema described Varane as “high class” in a heartfelt social media post dedicated to his long-time friend.
Varane and Benzema shared numerous successes together, including four Champions League titles and three Spanish league titles with Real Madrid between 2011 and 2021, as well as winning the 2022 World Cup with France.
Sergio Ramos, Varane’s defensive partner at Madrid for 10 years, reminisced about their shared memories and battles on the field. He wished Varane well in his new phase of life, emphasizing their natural understanding on the pitch.
Real Madrid expressed their gratitude towards Varane, acknowledging him as one of the greatest centre-backs in the club’s history and praising his representation of the club’s values. They wished him and his family the best for the future.
Manchester United also bid farewell to Varane, thanking him for his humility, leadership, and commitment during his time at the club. Players like Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Harry Maguire shared their admiration for Varane, highlighting his impact on and off the field.
Varane’s first professional club, Lens, shared a touching photo of him as a child in one of their junior teams, recognizing his early talent and his lasting impact on the club. They commended his exceptional career and expressed pride in his journey.