41-year-old renowned Portuguese center back
Pepe
Officially announced his retirement on social media, marking the end of his 22-year professional soccer career. This year's Euro Quarter-Final match between Portugal and France became Pepe's curtain-raiser, and this match also became his last appearance on the green field.
The Portuguese national team also officially confirmed Pepe's retirement. Pepe made a total of 141 appearances on behalf of the Portuguese national team, becoming the third most played player in the history of the national team, leaving a deep footprint.
Pepe was born in Brazil on February 26, 1983 and started his career in the Brazilian league.In 2001, he moved to Portugal's Sporting Maritimo and began his journey in Europe.In 2002, Pepe was promoted to the first team and gradually showed his defensive talent.In 2004, he joined Porto for a transfer fee of 2 million euros and further increased his Influence.
In July 2007, Pepe moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid for 30 million euros. Over the next 10 years, he played 334 matches for Real Madrid and helped the team win numerous important honors including 3 Champions League and 3 La Liga titles.
In 2017, Pepe left Real Madrid as a free agent to join Turkish giants Besiktas.In December 2018, he left Besiktas and after a six-month hiatus, Pepe returned to Porto and played until the end of the 2023/24 season.
In a career spanning 22 years, Pepe has won numerous honors: 1 UEFA Europa League title 1 UEFA Champions League title 3 UEFA Champions League titles 2 Club World Cup titles 2 UEFA Super Cup titles 3 La Liga titles 2 Copa del Rey titles 3 Supercopa de España titles 4 Portuguese Premier League titles 5 Portuguese Cup titles 1 Portuguese League Cup title 5 Portuguese Supercopa titles 1 Intercontinental Cup title
Pepe's retirement not only marks the end of an era, but also deprives the world of a fearless fighter and a determined leader. Pepe's professionalism, tenacity and outstanding performance will be remembered by the world, both in the club and the national team.
