Football is a place where players learn not just to grow as athletes and players, but also as their own persons and individuals. However, we may never know what’s in store for us as our age increases and we receive more responsibilities in life as we grow older. In this article, Bongdalu. will talk about a prominent player in football and his journey as he retires and leaves his football journey behind him.
One of the most decorated central defenders who played for modern football is Raphael Verane, known for his very commanding presence in defense and has a very useful ability when it comes to rising to the occasion during big and important matches. However, just recently, Verane has officially retired from his profession in football at the young age of 31. Throughout the years of his career, Verane has made numerous notable achievements that only few players could probably match. Starting from when he was still in his early years, winning and achieving triumphs at Real Madrid, winning the World Cup with France, and later making his way into Manchester United, Verane has truly made himself big and secured his legacy as a true champion.
Verane’s Career and Early Breakthrough at Real Madrid
Verane’s early success and stardom began at a young age of 18 when he decided to sign for Real Madrid in 2011 from RC Lens. Verane found himself making his way in one of the biggest football institutions in the world. He was trained under the supervision of experienced and veteran players like Sergio Ramos, where he quickly adapted to the demands of playing for Los Blancos. With his calm demeanor, intellectual capacity, and exemplary ability to always observe and strategize in the game, he stood out already from the very beginning.
Because of his performance, he became an important part of Madrid’s defense where he first won his first ever Champions League title, together with this is Madrid during his decade-long tenure at the club, and multiple La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and many more other trophies which made a significant impact throughout the football stage. His partnership with his co-player Sergio Ramos grew absolutely iconic. As a duo, they led Madrid to one of their most successful times in the contemporary phase of football.
Through the years of his football career with Real Madrid, Verane was able to garner 4 Championship Leagues titles which were made in the years of 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018; 3 La Liga titles that took place on the years 2012, 2017, and 2020; 1 Copa del Rey on 2014: along with 3 Spanish Super Cups; 4 FIFA Club World Cups, and 3 UEFA Super Cups. These titles and awards are testaments of his maintained composure during high stakes matches really made him indispensable, especially during Real Madrid’s matches in the European region.
Verane’s Glory with France
Although Verane made such a big name for himself, his success wasn’t confined to club football. Verane was able to play for France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, where he took a pivotal role, starting all seven of their matches during the tournament. With his leadership skills and defensive instincts, he was able to guide Les Bleus and have helped them achieve victory. This has established his place as one of the best defenders in the world. Verane has made a crucial contribution when it comes to goals in the quarter-final against Uruguay. This showcased how he was truly a significant person in delivering key moments.
After winning the World Cup back in 2018, Verane became only the fourth player in the entire history to win both the Champions League and World Cup in the very same season. This is truly a rare phenomena that underscored the consistency of Vernae at the highest level of football.
In addition to that, Verane was also able to gather 93 Caps for France. This marked his last appearance for the national team during the 2022 World Cup with the final loss to Argentina. Shortly after that, Verane announced his upcoming retirement in international football which signaled the end of his shining shimmering international football career.
The Challenging and Fulfilling Stint with Manchester United
During the summer of 2021, Raphael Verane became one with Manchester United where he continued with his football career. In the team, he joined his former teammate from Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo. There were high expectations weighing upon his high-profile move but his time was disturbed by numerous injuries in the Premier League. These often disrupted his rhythm and consistency in the field. However, these challenges did not bother him as he still remained as a key player for United for three seasons at the club.
Throughout his career with the United, Verane has helped them end their trophy drought by defeating Newcastle 2-0 starting in the 2023 Carabao Cup. He also played an important role for the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in May 2024. Verane was also able to effectively mark Erling Haaland in a 2-1 win, which marked his time with the United towards another major trophy but his final appearance took place at Wembley where he yet lifted another trophy before hanging up his boots.
A Legacy of Excellence
In the summer of 2024, Varane officially decided to leave Manchester United on a free transfer and signed with Italian club Como. Unfortunately he was not able to make the most out of his time because he sustained a knee injury just 20 minutes into the Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria. This injury have made him finalize his decision into officially retiring from football
“It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. 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.” Verane stated in his retirement message as he reminisced about his football career.
