50 Facts About Raphael Varane

Early Life and Beginnings

Raphael Varane's journey to football stardom began in his hometown of Lille, France. His early years were filled with family influence and a growing passion for the sport.

1. Raphael Varane began playing football at home with his family, particularly with his brother. This early exposure sparked his passion for the sport and laid the foundation for his future success.

2. Varane's father is from Martinique, and the family's enthusiasm for football was evident. The young Varane was thrilled when France won the World Cup in 1998, an event that further fueled his love for the game.

3. Varane made his professional debut at the age of 17 with RC Lens in 2010. His impressive performances caught the attention of top clubs, leading to his transfer to Real Madrid in 2011.

Rise to Prominence at Real Madrid

Varane's move to Real Madrid marked the beginning of a highly successful period in his career. His performances on the pitch quickly established him as one of the best defenders in the world.

4. Real Madrid signed Varane for €10 million in June 2011. The move was facilitated by Zinedine Zidane, who played a crucial role in convincing the teenager to join the Spanish giants.

5. Varane quickly established himself as a key player at Real Madrid. He made his competitive debut on September 21, 2011, against Racing Santander and scored his first goal three days later against Rayo Vallecano.

6. Varane made his UEFA Champions League debut on September 27, 2011, in a 3-0 win over Ajax. He continued to impress in the competition, helping Real Madrid win four titles between 2014 and 2018.

7. During his time at Real Madrid, Varane won 18 trophies. These included three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles, and four FIFA Club World Cups.

International Career with France

Varane's contributions to the French national team have been equally impressive. His leadership and defensive skills have been crucial in many of France's successes.

8. Varane represented France at various youth levels before making his full international debut in March 2013. He was part of the French squad that finished runners-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute of every game.

9. Varane became the youngest player to captain France at the age of 21. He led the team from the start in a friendly against Sweden in 2014 and scored the winning goal.

10. Varane's leadership skills were evident during his time at Real Madrid. He was praised by former World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu for his performances against Barcelona and Manchester United, which helped Real Madrid secure crucial victories.

Personal Traits and Skills

Varane is not just known for his on-field performances but also for his personal traits and skills that make him a unique player.

11. Varane is a studious individual who passed his baccalaureate exam in social sciences and economics before joining Real Madrid. He initially spurned Zinedine Zidane's call to join the club because he was busy revising for his exams.

12. Varane stands at 6’3” (191 cm) and has a lean but strong frame. This physical stature makes him effective in aerial duels, although he can be inconsistent when facing physical forwards.

13. Varane is an adequate ball-playing defender with excellent technique in his passes. He completes 77% of his attempted passes and is known for his long raking passes to the flanks, which often find their target despite defensive pressure.

14. Varane is aggressive in his defensive actions, with a tackle success rate of 50% on dribblers. He also applies 6 pressures per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 70th percentile among defenders in La Liga.

15. While Varane is good uncontested in aerial duels, his performance can be inconsistent when facing physical forwards. However, he excels at guiding his headers, as seen in his goal against Uruguay in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Achievements and Records

Varane's career is filled with numerous achievements and records that highlight his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

16. Varane has scored only 17 goals in 10 years for Real Madrid and five goals at the international level. However, his goals often come in crucial moments, such as the opener in France’s 2-0 World Cup quarter-final victory over Uruguay.

17. Varane has a clean record compared to some of his peers. He has been dismissed only twice, once for Real Madrid against Espanyol and once for France against England, both for professional fouls. He has 24 bookings in 360 appearances in Spain, a testament to his discipline on the pitch.

18. While Ramos has developed a reputation for playing on the edge, Varane is less well-known to referees. This discipline has helped him avoid red cards and maintain a clean record despite being a top individual defender.

19. Varane joined Manchester United in 2021 and quickly became a key player. He won the EFL Cup and FA Cup with the club before departing in 2024 to join Como in Serie A.

20. Varane is very analytical in his approach to the game. He watches other defenders across the continent to learn new strategies and improve his game. This analytical mindset helps him make better decisions on the pitch.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond football, Varane has a rich personal life and various interests that shape his character and approach to the game.

21. Varane values his family life and finds it essential for his balance and relaxation. He has children and has spoken about the positive impact of his family life on his career.

22. Varane's ambition at Manchester United was to help the club win trophies and enjoy the experience with the fans. He aimed to play as well as possible and contribute to the team's success.

23. While Varane has not ruled out a future in coaching, it is too early to say. At just 28 years old, he is still an active player and continues to improve his skills on the pitch.

24. Varane idolized Rio Ferdinand and dreamed of playing for Manchester United. Although he did not join the club until later in his career, his admiration for Ferdinand remained strong.

25. Varane was once rejected by Bayern Munich. This setback did not deter him, as he went on to achieve great success with Real Madrid and later Manchester United.

Memorable Moments and Performances

Varane's career is dotted with memorable moments and standout performances that have left a lasting impact on fans and the football community.

26. Before focusing solely on football, Varane played rugby. This experience likely contributed to his physical fitness and tactical awareness on the pitch.

27. Varane thought he had scored his first Manchester United goal against Burnley but was denied by VAR. Despite this setback, he has shown his class in recent games.

28. Interim manager Ralf Rangnick praised Varane’s performance in the Emirates FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough. He called it his best yet for Manchester United.

29. Varane’s journey to Manchester United was marked by his exceptional performances at Real Madrid. His move to Manchester was facilitated by his desire to continue winning trophies and enjoying the experience with the fans.

30. Varane has been a cornerstone for the French national team, playing every minute of every game in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His leadership and defensive skills were crucial in France’s victory.

31. In 2018, Varane achieved a rare feat by lifting both the Champions League and the World Cup within 50 days. He became one of only four players to achieve this since the Champions League was revamped in the 1990s.

32. Varane has been compared to other top defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos. His performances against Barcelona and Manchester United have been particularly impressive, earning him praise from former World Cup winners.

33. Varane scored a headed goal against Uruguay in the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. This goal showcased his aerial prowess and ability to score crucial goals.

34. Varane made his Clásico debut against Barcelona in the 2012-13 Copa del Rey. He stopped several dangerous attempts from Barcelona and scored a headed goal, becoming the second-youngest foreign player to score for Real Madrid in a Clásico match.

35. In the return leg against Barcelona, Varane scored Real Madrid’s third goal with a header from a corner kick by Mesut Özil. This performance further solidified his reputation as a top defender.

36. Varane helped Real Madrid keep a clean sheet against Galatasaray in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. He completed all 27 of his passes without any interceptions and made all of his tackles successful, including those on Didier Drogba.

37. In 2013, Varane was named by Marca readers as a member of Real Madrid’s ‘best foreign eleven in history’. This recognition came despite playing fewer than 50 games for the club at the time.

38. Varane’s contract was extended until 2022 in September 2017. This extension was a testament to his value to the team and his continued success on the pitch.

39. During the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League, Varane made eleven appearances as Real Madrid won their third consecutive and 13th overall Champions League title. His performances earned him a place in the 30-man shortlist for the 2018 Ballon d’Or, finishing seventh in the final ranking.

40. Varane was elected as the starting centre-back for both the 2018 FIFPro Men’s World11 and the UEFA Team of the Year. This recognition highlighted his consistent excellence at the highest level.

41. Varane’s inclusion in the 30-man shortlist for the 2018 Ballon d’Or was a significant achievement. Although he finished seventh, it marked a milestone in his career and cemented his status as one of the world’s top defenders.

42. Varane was placed ninth in The Best FIFA Men’s Player award behind Kevin De Bruyne. This recognition further solidified his reputation as a top player in the world.

Legacy and Impact

Varane's legacy in football extends beyond his on-field achievements. His influence on future generations and his contributions to the sport are noteworthy.

43. Throughout his career, Varane has won numerous awards and accolades. He has been named in various ‘best of’ lists and has received individual awards for his outstanding performances.

44. Varane played a crucial role in Manchester United’s EFL Cup and FA Cup wins. His defensive skills and leadership were instrumental in the team’s success during his tenure.

45. Varane departed Manchester United in 2024 to join Como in Serie A. This move marked the end of an era for the French defender at Old Trafford but opened new opportunities for him in Italy.

46. Varane announced his retirement from international football in 2023 after earning 93 caps and scoring five goals for France. This decision marked the end of an illustrious career with Les Bleus.

47. Varane’s legacy in French football is significant. He has inspired a generation of young players with his dedication, discipline, and exceptional defensive skills. His contributions to the French national team will be remembered for years to come.

48. During his time at Real Madrid, Varane was instrumental in the team’s success. He won multiple titles and helped establish Real Madrid as one of the dominant forces in European football.

49. Varane’s leadership qualities have been evident throughout his career. He has captained both Real Madrid and France, demonstrating his ability to lead teams to victory under pressure.

50. Raphael Varane’s legacy in football extends beyond his on-field achievements. He has inspired countless young players with his work ethic, dedication, and passion for the sport. His impact on both club and country will be remembered for generations to come.

Varane's Lasting Impact

Raphael Varane's career is a testament to dedication, skill, and leadership. From his early days at RC Lens to his triumphs with Real Madrid and Manchester United, Varane has consistently proven himself as one of the best defenders in the world. His contributions to France's 2018 World Cup victory and his numerous club titles highlight his importance on the pitch. Beyond his physical attributes and technical skills, Varane's discipline and analytical approach set him apart. His legacy in football is not just about the trophies but also the inspiration he provides to young players. As he continues his journey in Serie A with Como, Varane's influence on the sport remains undeniable. His story is one of perseverance, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.