Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has embarked on a new chapter in his football career, this time off the pitch. The accomplished French defender has been appointed as a board member of Serie A club Como. The news was confirmed by a renowned football transfer expert on Saturday, who shared the development on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The appointment marks a significant transition for Varane, who recently retired from professional football. Football enthusiasts and pundits alike have lauded the move, viewing it as a promising step for the club, given Varane’s extensive experience and footballing knowledge.
Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted sources in the football transfer world, took to social media to announce the news to his followers. “Raphael Varane has been appointed as a new board member for Como, all signed. The decision has been confirmed after his retirement,” Romano tweeted. This public confirmation sent waves through the footballing community, as fans of the Frenchman celebrated his new role, while others speculated on how his influence could reshape the future of the Serie A side.
Varane’s retirement came as a surprise to many. It was only in September that the 31-year-old made the decision to hang up his boots. The timing of his retirement followed a difficult period in his career, where recurring injuries hindered his ability to perform at his best. Most recently, his tenure at Como was marked by a series of setbacks, with injuries ultimately forcing him to reconsider his playing future. After a brief but challenging stint with the Serie A club, Varane decided it was time to step away from the game as a player, ending a glittering career that spanned more than a decade at the highest level of football.
Varane’s career was one defined by success, consistency, and resilience. Born in Lille, France, he rose through the ranks of French football before securing a move to Real Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18. His time in Spain was filled with silverware, where he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, La Liga championships, and domestic cups. A key figure in Madrid’s defense for nearly a decade, Varane established himself as one of the world’s elite defenders.
In 2021, Varane made the high-profile switch to Manchester United, where he sought to bring his winning mentality and defensive expertise to the Premier League. While his time at Old Trafford was hampered by injuries, his leadership and experience were undeniable, and he was a key figure in the dressing room.
On the international stage, Varane was equally influential. He was a cornerstone of the French national team that triumphed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, playing a vital role in their defense throughout the tournament. Varane’s ability to perform under pressure on the grandest stages of world football earned him a place among the game’s elite.
However, his final chapter as a player was not without its challenges. After joining Como in a surprising move to Serie A, Varane struggled with recurring injuries that limited his appearances and impacted his form. Despite his best efforts to regain fitness, the physical demands of professional football took their toll, leading to his decision to retire from playing.
Now, Varane’s post-retirement journey has taken him into the boardroom. His appointment to the board of Como is seen as a strategic move by the club, which aims to leverage his extensive football knowledge and experience. Como, a historic club with ambitions of returning to prominence in Italian football, could benefit greatly from Varane’s insight into the modern game, his network of contacts, and his winning mentality.
As a board member, Varane will be involved in the strategic decisions of the club, shaping its future both on and off the pitch. His influence could prove invaluable in player recruitment, development of the club’s footballing infrastructure, and enhancing its global presence. While this is a new venture for the Frenchman, his disciplined approach to his football career suggests that he will bring the same level of dedication and professionalism to his role off the field.
For Varane, this appointment represents a fresh start and an opportunity to remain deeply involved in the sport that has defined much of his life. His fans, who followed his every move on the field, are eager to see how he will adapt to his new responsibilities and the impact he will have on the fortunes of Como.
As Como embarks on a new era with Varane as part of its leadership, the club’s future looks promising. His appointment signals a commitment to excellence and ambition, qualities that characterized his playing career. While his days of defending on the pitch may be over, Raphael Varane’s influence in football is far from finished. The football world will be watching closely as he transitions from player to boardroom, with hopes that his presence will help propel Como to new heights.
