Portugal’s ‘Living Legend’ Pepe takes off his soccer boots at the age of 41.
The Portuguese Football Association announced on its official channel on the 9th (Korea Standard Time) that “Pepe will end his career as a soccer player.”
Pepe is a legendary figure who played for the Portuguese national team for 17 years alone. At the age of 25, he made his first appearance in the Portuguese national team led by Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. He made his debut against Finland and later participated in the Euro 2008, 2010 South Africa World Cup, Euro 2012, 2014 Brazil World Cup, Euro 2016, Euro 2020, 2022 Qatar World Cup, and Euro 2024.
Pepe made 100 appearances for Portugal in September 2018. He played 141 matches, the third most after Cristiano Ronaldo (211 matches) and João Moutinho (146 matches).
He even lifted a trophy for the Portuguese national team. At Euro 2016, he secured Portugal’s back door with Jose Ponte, and secured his historic first win by beating France in the final. In 2019, he was also a UEFA Nations League winner.
He participated in the Euro 2024 at the age of 40 and drew attention. At the age of 41 years and 113 days, he participated in the Euro tournament, setting a new record as oldest player to participate in the Euro tournament. Nevertheless, he was praised for his performance as well as young players. When he was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals, he shed tears at the end of the last tournament.
Pepe’s professional debut with CS Maritimu in Portugal came to Real Madrid in 2007 after playing for FC Porto, a prestigious Portuguese club. He demonstrated his skills by playing for Real for 10 years. After playing for Besiktas, he continued playing for his former club Porto from 2019. Despite being an veteran player, he showed off his class by playing as a starting member.토토사이트 모음
He also lifted numerous trophies. Pepe won a total of 34 trophies, including three in the UEFA Champions League and three in La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been with the national team for a long time, said on his social media, “I have no words to express how much Pepe means to me. I won everything, but the biggest achievement is your friendship and respect. Thank you so much.”