A FORMER Manchester United star tried to go incognito to watch a Ligue 1 clash.
But he was instantly spotted by fans.
The ex-Red Devils man took his seat amongst the supporters for Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.
Will Still’s side took the lead on 66 minutes but their lead lasted just four minutes before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised.
Luis Enrique’s men prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the last 32.
And that left the defender in disguise gutted.
The World Cup winner decked himself out in a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face.
He completed the look with a matching beanie hat and a black coat.
But it did not take long for fans to work out who it was.
Especially because the superstar came through as a youngster at the club.
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He shone in the first team to earn himself a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs in 2011 – then joined United a decade later.
But have you worked out who the mystery footballer is?
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
“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.”
