Veteran Defender Pepe Retires After 23 Years Career

Portugal’s veteran defender Pepe has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to a close a remarkable 23-year career.

The 41-year-old’s retirement marks the end of one of football’s most distinguished careers, during which he won nearly every major honour the sport has to offer.

Pepe, who made history this summer as the oldest player to appear in a European Championship finals, played his last match in Portugal’s quarter-final exit against France, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat.

With 141 appearances for his national team, he ranks as one of Portugal’s most capped players, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and João Moutinho. 

His club career saw him excel at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, including Real Madrid, where he became a cornerstone of their defence.

Over a decade with the Spanish giants, Pepe contributed to three Champions League titles and three La Liga championships.

He also had successful stints with Porto, where he began and ended his club career, as well as Besiktas and Maritimo.

In a heartfelt 33-minute video posted online on Thursday, an emotional Pepe expressed his gratitude to everyone who played a part in his journey.

“I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work,” he said.

“To all the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team. And I want to thank everyone in the background. I want to leave a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for all of you.”

His time at Real Madrid was particularly noteworthy, with 334 appearances for the club during a golden era in European football.

Last year, he made history once more by becoming the oldest goalscorer in the Champions League, netting for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages.