Pepe, one of the most celebrated football players of recent times, has officially announced his retirement from the sport. At 41 years old, Pepe made history as the oldest player to appear in a European Championship finals this summer. Unfortunately, his last match ended in a penalty shootout defeat against France in the quarter-finals.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe made 141 appearances for Portugal, placing him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho in terms of caps. Notably, he represented clubs such as Porto, Besiktas, and Maritimo, but it was his time at Real Madrid that truly defined his legacy. During his 10-year tenure with the Spanish giants, Pepe helped secure three Champions League titles and three La Liga titles, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most accomplished defenders.
In a heartfelt and emotional 33-minute video posted online, Pepe expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. He thanked the club presidents who believed in him and gave him the opportunity to showcase his skills. Pepe also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the employees behind the scenes, stating that they are the soul and essence of both clubs and the national team.
As a player, Pepe made history in various ways. Last year, he became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the Champions League when he found the back of the net for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages. Additionally, he made 334 appearances for Real Madrid during their dominant era in European football.
Pepe’s career was not without controversy, as his disciplinary record often made headlines. He received a significant number of red cards throughout his career, which added to his reputation as a tenacious and hard-hitting defender. However, his skills on the pitch and the respect he garnered from his teammates and opponents alike speak volumes about his abilities.
One of Pepe’s closest friends and former teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo, took to Instagram to express his admiration for the retiring defender. Ronaldo stated that there are no words to adequately express what Pepe means to him and emphasized that their biggest triumph was the friendship and respect they share. Ronaldo referred to Pepe as unique and thanked him for everything he has done.
Pepe’s retirement marks the end of an era in Portuguese and European football. His contributions to both club and country will be remembered for years to come. As fans reflect on his remarkable career, they can’t help but appreciate the impact he made on the sport and the legacy he leaves behind.