Have any players who played for both Man United and Como? Meet Raphaël Varane and Willy Kambwala, plus a academy connection.
Updated: 21 October 2026.
1. Raphaël Varane
Manchester United: 2021–2024 | Como: 2024
Varane arrived at Manchester United in 2021 after a decade at Real Madrid. He brought four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and a 2018 World Cup winner’s medal, making him an unusually decorated addition to United’s defence.
Across three seasons at Old Trafford, he made 95 appearances and helped United win the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup. His final United appearance came in the Wembley victory over Manchester City.
He then joined Como in July 2024 on a two-year deal with an option to extend. For Cesc Fàbregas, the attraction was the experience Varane could share with a team establishing itself in Serie A.
Unfortunately, the move produced only one competitive appearance. Varane suffered a knee injury against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia and announced his retirement on 25 September 2024. His lack of Serie A appearances does not change his eligibility: the Coppa Italia is a senior competitive competition.
His relationship with Como continued off the pitch. In October 2024, the club appointed him to its board, advising on youth development, education and product innovation. The role included working with the club’s development and education staff to help young players prepare for life beyond football.
Varane’s own post after joining Como in July 2024.
2. Willy Kambwala
Manchester United: 2023–2024 | Como: 2026–present, on loan
Kambwala’s route was different. He joined United’s academy from Sochaux in 2020 and made his first-team debut against West Ham United in December 2023. The opportunity came while he was still a teenager.
He finished the 2023/24 season with ten senior appearances, eight of them in the Premier League, and was part of United’s FA Cup-winning squad. His United career was brief, but it included first-team football rather than just academy involvement.
Kambwala moved to Villarreal in the summer of 2024. During his first season in Spain, he made 21 appearances across La Liga and the Copa del Rey, gaining further experience after leaving Old Trafford. Villarreal finished fifth in Spain’s La Liga that season and qualified for the following Champions League campaign.
Como signed him on loan for the 2026/27 season, with an option to make the move permanent. Fàbregas highlighted his speed, physical strength and ability to defend space when explaining the recruitment.
The crucial date for this list was 18 October 2026. Kambwala entered in the 83rd minute of Como’s 3–1 win at Fiorentina, replacing Mattia Liberali. That competitive debut made him eligible for a list of players who represented both Manchester United and Como.
Como 1907’s official announcement of Kambwala’s arrival.
What About Nicholas Ioannou?
Ioannou is the name that complicates the answer. The Cyprus international developed in Manchester United’s academy, but he never made a competitive appearance for the senior team. His connection to Old Trafford belongs to his formative years. A hip injury disrupted his progress while at United.
After leaving United, he established himself at APOEL, winning five domestic league titles and gaining Champions League experience. He later joined Nottingham Forest before moving to Como on loan in 2021.
Como made the move permanent in July 2022. Unlike his United connection, his time in Italy included regular senior football. He therefore belongs in the discussion, provided his academy status at United is explained clearly.
READ MORE: All Players Who Played for Manchester United and Atletico Madrid
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