Raphael Varane has returned to familiar surroundings at Real Madrid, bringing back memories of an extraordinary decade in the Spanish capital.

The French defender joined Madrid from Lens in 2011 aged just 18, eventually establishing himself among Europe’s greatest centre-backs.

Across ten seasons, Varane made 360 appearances and won 18 trophies, including four Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns.

His greatest year came in 2018, when he conquered Europe with Madrid before lifting the World Cup with France.

In 2021, Manchester United signed Varane for an initial £34 million, adding invaluable experience to their defence.

He helped United defeat Newcastle 2-0 in the 2023 League Cup final, before ending his Old Trafford career by beating Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 FA Cup final.

Varane subsequently revealed that he celebrated those domestic trophies more wildly than some of his Champions League triumphs in Madrid.

The former France international later moved to Como, but a knee injury on his debut preceded his retirement in September 2024.

United supporters still remember his composure, leadership and contributions to two unforgettable Wembley victories.

Now, the 33-year-old has revisited a venue synonymous with the most successful years of his career.

Raphael Varane returns to Santiago Bernabeu

Varane returned to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, 8 November, to attend an NFL game rather than take up a football role.

Posting on his official Instagram account, the former United centre-back shared photographs of himself pitchside alongside two companions.

His caption read: “Touchdown in Madrid 🏈”.

The stadium hosted the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL’s second regular-season game played in Spain.

Cincinnati secured a convincing 34-17 victory in front of 78,660 spectators, with Varane among several prominent football figures in attendance.

The visit marked another reunion with an iconic setting from Varane’s playing days, although there is no indication of a return to Madrid in a playing or coaching capacity.

 

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