{"id":289776,"first_name":"Raphaël Xavier","last_name":"Varane","short_name":"R. Varane","common_name":"Raphaël Varane","place_of_birth":"Lille","gender":"male","height":191,"weight":79,"status":"retired","createdAt":"2024-11-07T14:57:54.301Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:55.111Z","locale":"en","age":31,"stb_id":"raphael-varane","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Raphaël Varane","top_position":null,"introduction":"Raphaël Xavier Varane is a renowned former professional footballer from France, celebrated for his impressive career as a centre-back. Known for his commanding presence on the field, Varane has earned a reputation as one of the finest defenders of his generation. Over a decade-long career, he played for top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, winning numerous trophies including four UEFA Champions League titles and representing France in several major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, where he was pivotal in France's 2018 victory. As of September 2024, Varane has retired from professional football.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nRaphaël Varane was born on 25 April 1993 in Lille, located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. He is of Martiniquais descent through his father, Gaston, who hails from Le Morne-Rouge, while his mother, Annie, was raised in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. Growing up, Varane showed an early interest in football and commenced his youth football journey at the local club Hellemmes at the tender age of seven. His family's support was instrumental throughout his early career as he developed his skills on the pitch.\n\n## Youth Career\nVarane's progression in youth football saw him move to the professional club Lens in 2002, a decision that set the foundation for his future career. At Lens, he benefited from training at the Centre de Préformation de Football, which catered exclusively to talented youngsters in the region. His time at Lens marked a period of significant growth; he was part of teams that achieved success such as the Championnat National des 16 ans with the Lens under-16 team, alongside noteworthy teammates like Thorgan Hazard and Geoffrey Kondogbia. His early development highlighted his exceptional potential, quickly climbing through the youth ranks.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Lens\nVarane began his professional career at Lens, making his first-team debut in the 2010-11 season at the age of just 17. His initial performances drew considerable attention, helping him secure a place in the starting lineup despite his youth. Despite Lens' eventual relegation that season, his talent was undeniable, leading to interest from larger clubs.\n\n### Real Madrid\nVarane's move to Real Madrid in 2011 marked the beginning of an illustrious period. Over the span of ten seasons with the club, he amassed a remarkable collection of titles, including three La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League titles. He quickly made an impact, scoring in his first season, and became a staple in the defense, known for his crucial defensive plays, particularly in high-profile matches like El Clásico against Barcelona and key Champions League fixtures.\n\n### Manchester United\nIn 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess in the Premier League. His tenure included winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. Despite a brief spell curtailed by injuries, his influence at the club was significant, seen in pivotal matches and trophy contributions.\n\n### Como and Retirement\nIn 2024, Varane joined Serie A newcomers Como as a free transfer. Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact on the pitch, leading to an early retirement announced in September 2024, marking the close of an exceptional playing career.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nVarane represented France across various youth levels, displaying leadership and skill that caught national attention. Notably, he participated in under-18 and under-21 programs, helping his teams to important qualifications and victories, such as the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.\n\n### Senior National Team\nVarane's senior debut came in 2013, and over the next decade, he became a cornerstone of the French defense. Key tournaments included the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups. His contributions were vital to France's 2018 World Cup triumph and the 2021 UEFA Nations League title. Known for his ability to score from set-pieces, Varane retired from international duty in 2023 with 93 caps and five goals.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nVarane was celebrated for his remarkable defensive capabilities, a combination of tactical intelligence and technical skill that made him one of the foremost centre-backs in world football. His height afforded him a commanding presence in aerial duels, while his adept passing skills allowed him to transition play effectively from the back. Coaches and peers often commended his composure and ability to read the game, attributes that were instrumental in his team's defensive solidity.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his club career, Varane made over 300 appearances for Real Madrid and 92 for Manchester United, showcasing consistency and reliability as a defender. His goal-scoring threats typically emerged during set pieces, adding an additional facet to his contributions on the field.\n\n## Records\nVarane holds the distinction of being among the youngest players to score for Real Madrid in a competitive match. His career is studded with team records, notably being part of Real Madrid's historic run of consecutive Champions League victories.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Real Madrid: 3x La Liga, 4x UEFA Champions League, 2014 Copa del Rey, multiple Super Cup and Club World Cup victories\n- Manchester United: 1x FA Cup, 1x EFL Cup\n- France: 2018 FIFA World Cup Champion, 2021 UEFA Nations League\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- 2018 FIFA FIFPro World11\n- 2018 UEFA Team of the Year\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nVarane's excellence on the field has earned him a place among some of the game's elite defenders, recognized by inclusion in both FIFPro and UEFA teams of the year during his career apex.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nRaphaël Varane's career is marked by tremendous success, defined by consistent excellence at both club and international levels. His contributions to Real Madrid's defensive strength and his role in France's World Cup victory underscore his legacy.\n\n## Off the Field\nBeyond football, Varane has been involved in various charitable endeavors, seeking to leverage his platform for positive impact, though specific activities are not detailed in the source.\n\n## Personal Life\nVarane shares his life with his wife Camille Tytgat, alongside whom he raises two children. His family values and educational pursuits, evidenced by his focus on academics during his early career, showcase his dedication both on and off the field.","stb_internal_id":"01930721-c05a-76bc-a3f3-3b773ed200f0","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Raphaël Xavier Varane is a renowned former professional footballer from France, celebrated for his impressive career as a centre-back. Known for his commanding presence on the field, Varane has earned a reputation as one of the finest defenders of his generation. Over a decade-long career, he played for top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, winning numerous trophies including four UEFA Champions League titles and representing France in several major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, where he was pivotal in France's 2018 victory. As of September 2024, Varane has retired from professional football.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Raphaël Varane was born on 25 April 1993 in Lille, located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. He is of Martiniquais descent through his father, Gaston, who hails from Le Morne-Rouge, while his mother, Annie, was raised in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. Growing up, Varane showed an early interest in football and commenced his youth football journey at the local club Hellemmes at the tender age of seven. His family's support was instrumental throughout his early career as he developed his skills on the pitch.

Youth Career

Varane's progression in youth football saw him move to the professional club Lens in 2002, a decision that set the foundation for his future career. At Lens, he benefited from training at the Centre de Préformation de Football, which catered exclusively to talented youngsters in the region. His time at Lens marked a period of significant growth; he was part of teams that achieved success such as the Championnat National des 16 ans with the Lens under-16 team, alongside noteworthy teammates like Thorgan Hazard and Geoffrey Kondogbia. His early development highlighted his exceptional potential, quickly climbing through the youth ranks.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Lens

Varane began his professional career at Lens, making his first-team debut in the 2010-11 season at the age of just 17. His initial performances drew considerable attention, helping him secure a place in the starting lineup despite his youth. Despite Lens' eventual relegation that season, his talent was undeniable, leading to interest from larger clubs.

Real Madrid

Varane's move to Real Madrid in 2011 marked the beginning of an illustrious period. Over the span of ten seasons with the club, he amassed a remarkable collection of titles, including three La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League titles. He quickly made an impact, scoring in his first season, and became a staple in the defense, known for his crucial defensive plays, particularly in high-profile matches like El Clásico against Barcelona and key Champions League fixtures.

Manchester United

In 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess in the Premier League. His tenure included winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. Despite a brief spell curtailed by injuries, his influence at the club was significant, seen in pivotal matches and trophy contributions.

Como and Retirement

In 2024, Varane joined Serie A newcomers Como as a free transfer. Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact on the pitch, leading to an early retirement announced in September 2024, marking the close of an exceptional playing career.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Varane represented France across various youth levels, displaying leadership and skill that caught national attention. Notably, he participated in under-18 and under-21 programs, helping his teams to important qualifications and victories, such as the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Senior National Team

Varane's senior debut came in 2013, and over the next decade, he became a cornerstone of the French defense. Key tournaments included the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups. His contributions were vital to France's 2018 World Cup triumph and the 2021 UEFA Nations League title. Known for his ability to score from set-pieces, Varane retired from international duty in 2023 with 93 caps and five goals.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Varane was celebrated for his remarkable defensive capabilities, a combination of tactical intelligence and technical skill that made him one of the foremost centre-backs in world football. His height afforded him a commanding presence in aerial duels, while his adept passing skills allowed him to transition play effectively from the back. Coaches and peers often commended his composure and ability to read the game, attributes that were instrumental in his team's defensive solidity.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his club career, Varane made over 300 appearances for Real Madrid and 92 for Manchester United, showcasing consistency and reliability as a defender. His goal-scoring threats typically emerged during set pieces, adding an additional facet to his contributions on the field.

Records

Varane holds the distinction of being among the youngest players to score for Real Madrid in a competitive match. His career is studded with team records, notably being part of Real Madrid's historic run of consecutive Champions League victories.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Real Madrid: 3x La Liga, 4x UEFA Champions League, 2014 Copa del Rey, multiple Super Cup and Club World Cup victories
Manchester United: 1x FA Cup, 1x EFL Cup
France: 2018 FIFA World Cup Champion, 2021 UEFA Nations League

Individual Achievements

2018 FIFA FIFPro World11
2018 UEFA Team of the Year

Awards and Recognition

Varane's excellence on the field has earned him a place among some of the game's elite defenders, recognized by inclusion in both FIFPro and UEFA teams of the year during his career apex.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Raphaël Varane's career is marked by tremendous success, defined by consistent excellence at both club and international levels. His contributions to Real Madrid's defensive strength and his role in France's World Cup victory underscore his legacy.

Off the Field

Beyond football, Varane has been involved in various charitable endeavors, seeking to leverage his platform for positive impact, though specific activities are not detailed in the source.

Personal Life

Varane shares his life with his wife Camille Tytgat, alongside whom he raises two children. His family values and educational pursuits, evidenced by his focus on academics during his early career, showcase his dedication both on and off the field.

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Raphaël Varane: Career