Portugal defender Pepe has officially announced his retirement from football, concluding a highly decorated career. At 41, Pepe made history this summer by becoming the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals. His final match was Portugal’s penalty shootout loss to France in the quarter-finals.
Pepe accumulated 141 caps for Portugal, ranking third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho for the most appearances for the national team. Throughout his career, he played for notable clubs including Porto, Besiktas, and Maritimo.
In a heartfelt 33-minute video shared online, Pepe expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. He was a key player in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory and achieved significant success with Real Madrid, securing three Champions League and three La Liga titles during his decade-long tenure.
“I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work,” Pepe stated. He extended his thanks to the employees of all the clubs he represented, highlighting their importance as the “soul and essence of the clubs and the national team.”
Last year, Pepe set a record as the Champions League’s oldest goalscorer, netting for Porto against Antwerp during the group stages. His career includes a remarkable 334 appearances for Real Madrid, a period when the club was at its peak in European football.
Pepe was also known for his disciplinary record, having received a significant number of red cards over the years. His former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo reflected on their friendship, stating, “There are no words to express what Pepe means to me. We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You’re unique, my brother. Thank you for so much.”
