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With a heavy heart and a wealth of memories, Pepe, the indefatigable Portuguese football legend, declared his retirement from the sport in an emotional video posted on social media Thursday, closing the curtain on an extraordinary 20-year journey at 41.
“I would like to thank you all,” said the centre-back as he cited the clubs he represented, as well as the Portuguese national team and his family.
“Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with my mind at ease.”
From humble beginnings at Maritimo, where he joined as a teenager, Pepe’s talent and tenacity propelled him to the upper echelons of European football, with stints at Porto, the Galacticos of Real Madrid, and Turkey’s Besiktas, cementing his status as a modern-day great.
The Portuguese stalwart’s 10-year association with Real Madrid was a glittering success, marked by an unprecedented trio of Champions League titles, two Club World Cup conquests, and three Spanish league diadems, as he played a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence as a global football powerhouse.
Pepe’s affinity for Porto was evident in his two memorable stints at the club, from 2004-2007 and again from 2019-2024, during which he amassed an impressive collection of eight domestic trophies, including four Portuguese league titles and five Portuguese Cups, solidifying his status as a Dragons legend.
On Instagram, Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared the pitch with Pepe for both Real Madrid and Portugal, wrote a glowing tribute, confessing that he struggled to find the right words to capture the essence of their friendship.
“We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You’re unique, my brother.
“Thank you for so much.”
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Born in Brazil but nurtured in Portugal, this centre-back’s international odyssey is a shining example of commitment and perseverance.
Since his debut in 2007, he has amassed an impressive 141 caps, playing a pivotal role in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph and their subsequent Nations League title in 2019.
At an age when most are contemplating retirement, Pepe remains an unstoppable force in international soccer.
By starting Portugal’s inaugural match at Euro 2024, the 41-year-old phenomenon set a new benchmark for longevity, cementing his status as one of the most enduring and inspiring figures in the beautiful game.
Portugal’s quarter-final exit at the hands of France, decided by the cruel fate of penalties, marked the curtain call on Pepe’s illustrious 22-year career at the pinnacle of international soccer.
The stage that had borne witness to his triumphs and tribulations would no longer be graced by his presence.
Portuguese Football Federation President Fernando Gomes hailed Pepe as “one of the greatest players of all time”, extolling his unwavering commitment, unrelenting passion, and exemplary professionalism.
As the curtain fell on an illustrious career, Gomes expressed heartfelt gratitude for Pepe’s tireless dedication to the beautiful game.
