A former Manchester United star attempted to go incognito while attending a Ligue 1 match, but his presence didn’t go unnoticed as fans quickly recognized him.
6A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvarane
He wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvarane
The local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvarane
The former Manchester United player blended in with the crowd to watch Lens’ French Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.
Will Still’s team took the lead in the 66th minute, but their advantage was short-lived as substitute Goncalo Ramos equalized just four minutes later. PSG triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the last 32.
The defender, who had tried to remain incognito, was left visibly disappointed by the outcome.
The World Cup winner attempted to go unnoticed by donning a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face, pairing it with a matching beanie hat and a black coat.
However, it didn’t take long for fans to figure out his identity, especially since he had risen through the ranks at the club as a youngster.
The mystery footballer is none other than Rafael, the Brazilian right-back. He made a name for himself at Lens, earning a move to Manchester United in 2011, where he spent a successful decade before returning to Ligue 1. His connection to the club and his recognizable features made it easy for fans to spot him despite his efforts to go incognito.
It is none other than Raphael Varane.
Varane, 31, spent ten years at Real Madrid following his transfer from Lens, winning four Champions Leagues.
But things did not work out so well for the 93-cap France international at Old Trafford as he struggled for form and fitness amid the club’s ongoing woes.
Varane headed to Cosmo in the summer on a two-year deal but sustained a knee injury and opted to retire.
After his secretive trip to watch Lens, days after helping to conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 draw, the local hero posted the snaps on Instagram – including selfies with the adoring Lens faithful.
He captioned the Instagram upload: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand ️
‘RECOGNISE THOSE EYES’
“Love football, the emotions. This is what it is all about!!”
Plenty of fans were loving Varane’s undercover fiesta of festive football.
One said: “Love you Raph.”
Another wrote: “Legend.”
A third added: “I recognise those eyes haha.”
A fourth replied: “Bro is enjoying retirement.”
And a final user joked: “Varane dressing like a hooligan.”
6Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
6He spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: Getty
6He helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP