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#4 Raphael Varane
At the age of 26, Raphael Varane is the youngest player on this list, but the Frenchman has shown maturity well beyond his years to cement his status as a key player for club and country. Known for his elegance on the ball, recovery pace and his ability to play out from the back, Varane's development is sure to have exceeded his own lofty standards, as he is widely regarded as one of the best centre-halves in world football.
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With 17 trophies to his name, including a pair of La Liga titles and a staggering 4 UEFA Champions League medals, Varane has won everything there is to win at club level and capped off a sensational year in 2018, as he played a pivotal role in France's triumph in the FIFA World Cup.
The 26-year-old has complemented the legendary Sergio Ramos so effectively over the years, as Los Blancos have endured one of the most successful periods of their modern era. With his prime well ahead of him, Varane is sure to retire as one of the most decorated defenders to have ever graced the game and the Frenchman has been in exemplary form this season for Real Madrid, as they look to win yet another La Liga title.
