Portugal’s veteran defender Pepe, at 41 years of age, has officially announced his retirement, concluding a football career that has been nothing short of remarkable. This summer, he etched his name in the history books by becoming the oldest player to take part in the European Championship finals. His final match saw Portugal bow out in the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout against France.
Over his international career, Pepe earned 141 caps for Portugal, placing him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho in terms of appearances. On the club side, he showcased his talents at Porto, Besiktas, and Maritimo, with his most memorable stint being a decade-long period at Real Madrid.
In a 33-minute video shared online on Thursday, Pepe looked back on his career with deep gratitude. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the club presidents who believed in him, allowing him to fulfill his potential, as well as to the staff members who quietly supported the teams and the national squad from behind the scenes.
Pepe’s career highlights are numerous, including being a key figure in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory and playing an integral role in Real Madrid’s reign as Europe’s top club. During his time with the Spanish giants, Pepe helped the team secure three UEFA Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles, amassing 334 appearances during one of the club’s most successful periods.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Pepe made history last year by becoming the oldest player to score in a UEFA Champions League match, finding the net for Porto against Antwerp in the group stage. However, his career was also marked by a reputation for tough, uncompromising play, which resulted in a significant number of red cards.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared many career milestones with Pepe both at Real Madrid and with Portugal, honored his longtime teammate with a touching message on Instagram. “On the pitch, we won it all, but the greatest victory is the bond we share,” Ronaldo wrote. “You’re unique, my brother. Thank you for everything.”
As Pepe steps away from the game, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in football, leaving behind a legacy of both triumph and tenacity.
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