Soccer
Raphael Varane Retires: 5 Players Who Played the Most Matches With the Real Madrid Legend
Published2 hours ago on September 25, 2024
One of the most decorated and technically astute center-backs of the 21st century, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement. The former Lens, Real Madrid, and Manchester United player took to Instagram on Wednesday, September 25, to share the news with his followers.
Raphael Varane Bids Emotional Goodbye to Soccer
“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane Began.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and needs are two different things. 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.”
He continued:
“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.
“For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.
“Thank you, football.”
A Legend Retires
Varane, who is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in his debut match for Como, has won it all in his career. He lifted three La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup with Manchester United, and became a world champion with France in 2018.
The 31-year-old spent a decade at Real Madrid between 2011 and 2021, playing 360 games and scoring 17 times. His stay at Old Trafford was relatively short and plagued by injuries, but he proved his mettle in the games he featured in. From 2021 to 2024, Varane played 95 times, scoring twice.
During his illustrious career, he shared the pitch with many icons of the sport, making a lifetime worth of memories. Here are the top five players who played the most games with the legend:
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Manchester United): 232 Games
In fifth place, we have five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who played 232 matches with Raphael Varane across Real Madrid and Manchester United. Ronaldo and Varane played 200 games for Los Merengues and shared the pitch 32 times at Manchester United. The Portuguese icon even assisted Varane once during their Real Madrid days.
Ronaldo and Varane won 15 trophies together at Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles. At Man Utd, however, they failed to win any trophies together.
#4 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid): 246 Games
Toni Kroos, who hung up his Adidas boots at the end of the 2023-24 season, played 246 games with Raphael Varane at Real Madrid. Kroos and Varane combined for five goals during their time in the Spanish capital, with the German playing the role of the provider on all five occasions.
Kroos and Varane won it all for Real Madrid between 2014 and 2021. They celebrated three UEFA Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Supercopas de Espana.
#3 Casemiro (Real Madrid and Manchester United): 248 Games
Casemiro, a brilliant defensive midfielder, and Raphael Varane, a world-class center-back, shared an excellent relationship. It began during their time together at Real Madrid and continued throughout their Manchester United spell. Casmiro and Varane played 248 games across two clubs — 203 games for Real Madrid and 45 games for Manchester United.
Casemiro and Varane won two La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, one Copa del Rey, and two Supercops de Espana at Real Madrid. At United, they lifted the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup together.
#2 Luka Modric (Real Madrid): 268 Games
Midfield maestro Luka Modric and legendary center-back Raphel Varane spent nine seasons together at Real Madrid, sharing the pitch 268 times. Unlike Toni Kroos, however, Modric could not turn provider for Varane over the course of their journey.
Modric and Varane celebrated 17 trophies at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, including four UEFA Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, and four FIFA Club World Cups.
#1 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid and France): 318 games
Karim Benzema had the good fortune of playing a whopping 318 games with Raphael Varane. The French duo played 32 games together for the national team and shared the pitch 286 times at Real Madrid. Varane and Benzema also combined for three goals, with the former setting up the latter on two occasions.
Benzema and Varane won Four UEFA Champions League trophies, four FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and three Supercopas de Espana at Madrid.
