Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has disclosed that he participated in two significant matches of his career while experiencing concussion symptoms, unaware of his condition prior to kickoff.
Despite the growing emphasis on concussion assessments in football, Varane’s incidents occurred before the implementation of such protocols.
One of the pivotal games where Varane should have been sidelined was against Manchester City in the 2020 Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Reflecting on the match, Varane admitted to feeling disoriented during the warm-up and struggled to maintain focus throughout the game.
Despite technically sound performances on the field, he felt sluggish and unable to concentrate, likening himself to a spectator. Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat, ultimately exiting the competition.
Varane also recalled a similar experience during his time with Real Madrid, specifically during a league match against Getafe.
Following a head injury from a corner kick, he underwent a five-day recovery protocol but experienced intense fatigue afterward.
Despite attributing his exhaustion to end-of-season fatigue initially, Varane later recognized it as a symptom of his concussion.
Additionally, Varane recounted a similar episode during the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal against Germany. He acknowledged that several of his worst career performances coincided with instances where he had suffered concussions days before the matches.
Reflecting on these experiences, Varane questioned whether he would have opted out of playing had he been aware of his condition, highlighting the lack of concussion protocols and awareness in football at the time.
While acknowledging the increased awareness of concussion-related risks in the United Kingdom, Varane noted the relatively lesser discourse on the subject in Spain.
Unlike in the UK, there is still no provision for concussion substitutions in football, posing challenges for players’ health and well-being.
Varane’s revelations shed light on the importance of concussion protocols and the need for greater awareness and implementation of preventive measures in football.
His experiences underscore the potential risks associated with playing while concussed and highlight the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being.
As football continues to evolve, Varane’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect players from the long-term consequences of head injuries.
