Pepe, the legendary Portuguese defender, has officially retired from football at the age of 41. His final appearance came in July 2024, during the intense Euro 2024 match between Portugal and France. Over his remarkable career, Pepe represented Portugal 141 times, scoring 8 goals, and solidifying his place as one of the country’s all-time greats.
OFFICIAL : Pepe has retired from professional football.
Thanks for everything Legend 🩶 pic.twitter.com/1vHlpKxjsI
— Real Madrid Xtra (@RealMadridXtra) August 8, 2024
At club level, Pepe is best remembered for his tenures at Real Madrid and FC Porto, where he made 334 and 288 appearances, respectively. His list of achievements is extensive, including three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a key role in Portugal’s historic triumph at Euro 2016. In total, Pepe’s career stats are nothing short of impressive: 878 matches played and 35 trophies won.
Pepe’s impact on the pitch was matched by the respect and admiration he garnered off it. Porto president André Villas-Boas paid tribute to the defender, saying, “Today he decided to hang his cleats, but he will never remove the FC Porto armband. Captain forever!”
Cristiano Ronaldo, a longtime teammate and friend, expressed deep gratitude and affection: “There are no words enough to express how much you mean to me, my friend. We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are unique, my brother. Thank you for everything.”
One of the most captivating aspects of Pepe’s career was his role in the legendary Clasicos between Real Madrid and Barcelona, where he frequently found himself in direct opposition to Lionel Messi. These encounters were not just football matches, they were intense, high-stakes battles that often turned physical. Pepe’s relentless defending and Messi’s extraordinary skills created a thrilling spectacle that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Pepe’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who was not only a fierce competitor but also a leader and role model. His legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and the history books of football, where his contributions to both club and country will be remembered for generations.