A former Manchester United star tried to go incognito while attending a Ligue 1 match, but his attempt to blend in was quickly thwarted as fans immediately recognized him.

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6A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneHe wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvarane

A former Manchester United star tried to go incognito while attending a Ligue 1 match, but fans quickly recognized him. The player, who blended in with the crowd to watch Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, was revealed to be none other than Raphael Varane.

Varane, 31, who spent ten successful years at Real Madrid and won four Champions Leagues, had struggled with form and fitness at Manchester United before moving to Al Nassr in the summer. After a knee injury led him to retire, Varane made a secretive trip to watch his former club, Lens, in action.

Donning a red-and-yellow Lens scarf, a beanie hat, and a black coat, Varane still couldn’t hide from the sharp-eyed fans who recognized him, especially since he had risen through the ranks at the club. Following the match, Varane shared selfies with the adoring Lens supporters on Instagram, captioning the post with: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand. Recognize those eyes. Love football, the emotions. This is what it’s all about!!”

Fans responded warmly, with many expressing their admiration for the former World Cup winner. Comments included “Love you Raph,” “Legend,” and “I recognize those eyes haha,” as they showed support for Varane’s undercover festive football outing.

6Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: Getty6He spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: Getty6He helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP