Portuguese centre-back Pepe, aged 41, has officially announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect.
In a poignant social media post accompanied by a 33-minute video, Pepe confirmed that he is ending his illustrious career following the termination of his contract with FC Porto.
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Despite receiving offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, Pepe has chosen to conclude his playing career. The veteran defender expressed deep gratitude in his farewell message, stating, “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to continue my journey.” He extended his thanks to the various club presidents who supported him, as well as to the employees of the clubs and the national team who have been integral to his career.
Pepe’s career spans nearly 900 official matches across four clubs. He began with Marítimo, making 64 appearances before moving to Porto, where he played 290 matches in two separate stints. His career also includes 334 appearances for Real Madrid and 52 games for Besiktas.
Although born in Brazil, Pepe represented Portugal on the international stage, amassing 141 caps and scoring eight goals. He departs with an impressive trophy haul, including a European Championship victory with Portugal in 2016 and three UEFA Champions League titles, all with Real Madrid.
Pepe’s final match took place on July 5th in Germany, where Portugal was defeated by France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. He leaves behind a legacy as the third most-capped player in the history of the Portuguese national team, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and João Moutinho.
As he bids farewell to football, Pepe’s career is remembered for its significant achievements and contributions both at the club and international levels.
