Portuguese defender Pepe has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. The former Real Madrid defender had a long and successful career. Winning 34 trophies during his 23 professional seasons.
Brazilian-born Pepe moved to Portugal at the age of 18, joining Marítimo. He broke into the first team in his second season and spent three years there before moving to Porto in 2004. Where he really broke through.UFABET
After three seasons and two league titles, Pepe moved to the Bernabeu in 2007. Where he made 229 La Liga appearances over a decade. Winning three league titles, two Copa del Reys and three Champions Leagues.
After 18 months at Besiktas, Pepe returned to Porto and spent six seasons there, winning two league titles and four Portuguese Cups.
At international level, Pepe made his debut for Portugal in 2007 and has gone on to make 141 appearances, making him the third-highest capped player for the Portuguese side. He has represented the Portuguese at five European Championships, including the latest Euro 2024, and four World Cups.
Pepe was also part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016.
‘I would like to thank God for giving me the wisdom to continue my journey. I cannot help but thank all the presidents who bet and believe in me, the staff of the clubs I have been with, they are the soul and the essence, and of the national team, all my teammates and coaches who help me grow and compete every day. All the fans are the soul of football.’
‘To Jorge Mendes (representative), to Gestifute, to my teammates who are very important in my journey and helped me fly to my dream, which is to become a professional footballer, to all my friends and family, especially my wife who is like my home during my absence.’
‘To my children who believed in me, who were a big part of my life, who supported me when I left home to play football. They were the strength I needed to go forward with ease. I want to thank everyone, thank them very much and give them a big hug. Thank you very much,’ Pepe said.