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#1 Raphael Varane
The Real Madrid defender has had a magical year by breaking various records. At 25, he became the youngest player to win three consecutive UEFA Champions League title. After missing out on Euro 2016 due to injury, he was an integral part of Didier Deschamps' World Cup-winning team.
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Varane formed a formidable partnership with Samuel Umtiti that kept the likes of Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard quiet.
Varane made 39 clearances and recovered 47 balls as he played all of France's seven matches at the World Cup. The towering center-back was always a threat on set pieces and was quick to snap out any danger.
On July 6, 2018, he scored a headed goal in France's 2-0 quarterfinal win over stubborn Uruguay. This was France's first attempt at the Uruguayan goal and it bore dividends. With Kylian Mbappe and Griezmann grabbing all the headlines for their goals, Varane played a big part on their way to a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
