Pepe, a senior player from Portugal, declared on social media on Thursday that he was leaving football at the age of 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.”
At the age of 18, Pepe signed with Portuguese team Maritimo. He then played for Turkish club Besiktas, Porto, and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
He had a trophy-filled ten years with Madrid, winning three Spanish league titles, two Club World Cups, and Champions Leagues.
In addition, he had two successful tenures with Porto (2004–2007 and 2019–2024), when he won five Portuguese Cups and four Portuguese titles overall.
Despite being Brazilian by birth, the center back joined Portugal as a permanent resident in 2007 and went on to accumulate 141 caps, collecting the team’s first piece of hardware.
Congratulations on an outstanding career. Wishing you the very best for your retirement and I also wish you good health, happiness and success as you move forward!
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
