Former Real Madrid and Porto defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.
Portugal defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football, ending one of the most highly decorated careers of recent times.
The veteran defender left Porto earlier this summer before leading Portugal at Euro 2024, earning his 141th cap in the quarter-final defeat to France, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho to have had more Portugal caps, but has now opted to call time on his career.
In an emotional 33-minute YouTube video, Pepe said:
“I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, they are the soul and essence. And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.
“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence. My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience. I would like to thank everyone, give them a big thank you and a big hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”
Pepe came through the academy at Maritimo before making his name with Porto and earning himself a big-money move to Real Madrid in 2007. He’d spend ten years at the Santiago Bernabeu, playing 334 games and winning three La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.
The Portuguese became the oldest goalscorer in the Champions League last year when he netted for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages. Added to this record is one which he is famous for, receiving a high number of red cards across his career.
Former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo said there are “no words to express” what Pepe means to him.
In a post on Instagram, he added: “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 so much.”
