Raphael Varane was excruciatingly close to winning back-to-back World Cups with France but the 29-year-old was left heartbroken when Argentina narrowly won the thrilling final on penalties.
Varane was a doubt for France going into the tournament but after missing the first game due to recovery from an injury he sustained at United, the defender was back for their second game and started all of their remaining fixtures.
As ever, he was once again a reliable pillar for France and it’s unlikely that they would have reached the final without him. Perhaps, the biggest obstacle came in the semi-final against Morroco.
The African giants had shocked the world by eliminating Belgium, Spain and Portugal and France were there next European superhouse on their hit list.
At half-time, France were leading by one goal but Morocco never looked out of the game. Speaking in the dressing room, in a video that has now done the rounds on social media, Varane can be seen delivering a raucous pep talk.
Despite a late onslaught from Morocco, France held on to secure their place in the final and Varane was at the centre of it all with countless blocks, tackles and interceptions.
The former Real Madrid star is now set for a short break before returning to Carrington for the resumption of club football.
