Pepe, a former defender for Real Madrid and Portugal, has retired from sport
Just one month after being the oldest football player to win the European Championship with Portugal, Pepe announces his retirement.
The 41-year-old former Real Madrid defender Pepe, a legend of Portugal, announced his retirement from sport on Thursday.
Pepe played his final match at Euro 2024, when he became the oldest player to compete in a European Championship finals competition as Portugal lost to France on penalties in the quarterfinals.
In a social media video reflecting on his career, an emotional Pepe stated, “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey.”
I also have to express my gratitude to all of the presidents who have placed bets and shown faith in my ability to do my job. To every staff member I have encountered—they are the lifeblood and core of every club I have visited as well as the national team.
Also, I would want to thank everyone who is not visible. I would want to express my thanks and give you all a hug. And I sincerely thank each and every one of you.
Pepe spent ten seasons with Real Madrid, where he won three La Liga crowns, three Champions League trophies, and two FIFA Club World Cups. He made 141 appearances for his nation, winning the Euros in 2016.
Pepe left Porto in 2007 to join the Spanish team; he then joined the Portuguese team again in 2019 and stayed there until the conclusion of his career, earning four Primeira Liga titles in his two stints.
