“Legendary defender” Pepe (41) of the Portuguese national soccer team will retire. Cristiano Ronaldo (39, Al Nasr), Portugal’s top superstar, and Real Madrid, the world’s top club, expressed their gratitude and respect at the news of his retirement.
The Portuguese soccer association said on its website that Pepe will end his career at the age of 41. Pepe played his last match for the national team at Euro 2024.
Born in Brazil, Pepe moved to Portugal at the age of 18 and signed with Maritimu. Pepe made his debut in the first division from the 2002-2003 season, securing his starting position and improving his skills by moving to Porto in May 2004.
Pepe finally moved to Real Madrid, the strongest team in the world, in July 2007, and flourished in his soccer career. He played 334 official matches (15 goals) during 10 seasons with Real Madrid, establishing himself as the world’s best center back. Wearing a Real Madrid uniform, Pepe enjoyed the heyday of his career by winning three La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cup titles.
Pepe, who broke up with Real Madrid after moving to Besiktas (Turkiye) in July 2017, moved to Porto in January 2019 and spent the last of his active career in his hometown team. Pepe also played 141 A matches (eight goals) for the Portuguese national team, ranking third in all-time A matches after Cristiano Ronaldo (211 matches) and João Motinho (144 matches). He also set a record for “the oldest ever appearance in the Euro tournament” when he played in the first match of Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic in June at the age of 41 years and 113 days.
Pepe posted a video on his YouTube account and said, “I want to leave a hug for everyone who’s been with me,” saying goodbye to his fans.안전놀이터
Ronaldo, who has worked with both the national team and Real Madrid for a long time, did not hide his disappointment at the news. “Words cannot explain how much Pepe meant to me,” Ronaldo said on his social media. “I respect you. You are my special brother. Thank you for everything.”
Real Madrid also said on its website, “Real Madrid CF is grateful, affection, and respectful to Pepe, one of the great legends of our club and world football.”