Manchester United’s star defender, Raphaël Varane, has recently shared the harrowing impact of suffering multiple concussions throughout his illustrious career. The 30-year-old athlete bravely opened up about how these head injuries have taken a toll on his body in a candid interview with L’Equipe.

Varane disclosed that he continued to play numerous matches for both his club and country while grappling with the lingering effects of these concussions. One particularly alarming incident occurred during the 2014 World Cup round-of-16 clash against Nigeria, where he sustained a concussion but soldiered on, finishing the game on what he described as “autopilot.” Reflecting on that moment, Varane admitted that he was unsure if he would have been able to respond if someone had spoken to him at the time.

The former France international, who retired from international football in February 2023, also recounted playing through head injury symptoms for Real Madrid during a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City in the COVID-19-affected 2019-20 season. Just five days prior, Varane had left the field during a LaLiga game against Getafe feeling intensely tired. However, he brushed it off as typical end-of-season fatigue until he reached the warmup for the European game and was overwhelmed by a sense of exhaustion that made him question his ability to perform.

Varane’s candid revelations shed light on the often overlooked consequences of head injuries in professional sports. His story serves as a stark reminder of the physical and mental challenges that athletes face, even at the highest levels of competition. As Varane continues to navigate his career with Manchester United, his bravery in speaking out about his experiences with concussions will hopefully spark important conversations about player safety and well-being in the world of football.