Portuguese footballer Pepe has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 41.
He made the announcement in a video posted on social media on Thursday.
In the video, Pepe expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. “I would like to thank you all,” said the centre-back. “Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with my mind at ease.”
Pepe started his career with Portuguese club Maritimo at age 18. He later played for FC Porto, Real Madrid, and Besiktas in Turkey. His time at Real Madrid was particularly successful, where he won three Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, and three Spanish league titles.
He also had two periods at Porto, from 2004-2007 and 2019-2024, winning four Portuguese league titles and five Portuguese Cups.
Though born in Brazil, Pepe chose to play for Portugal. He made his international debut in 2007 and earned 141 caps for the national team. He was part of the squad that won Portugal’s first major trophy at Euro 2016 and also helped them win the Nations League in 2019.
At Euro 2024, Pepe set a record as the oldest player to ever participate in a European Championship. He played in Portugal’s opening game at the tournament, but Portugal’s exit on penalties to France in the quarter-finals was his final match.
Fernando Gomes, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, praised Pepe as “one of the greatest players of all time.” Gomes added, “We thank him for his extraordinary professionalism, dedication, and passion for football.”
