The seasoned defender departed from Porto earlier this summer before captaining Portugal in Euro 2024.
Ex-Real Madrid and Porto defender Pepe has officially retired from football at 41 years old.The experienced defender parted ways with Porto earlier this summer before captaining Portugal at Euro 2024, where he earned his 141st cap in a quarter-final loss to France. Now, he has decided to hang up his boots.
In a heartfelt 33-minute YouTube video, Pepe expressed his gratitude: “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who believed in me and placed their trust in me. To all the employees of the clubs I’ve been part of—they are the soul and essence. And to the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. To all the fans, who are the heartbeat of football.
“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was pivotal in my journey by allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who provided a home in my absence. To my children, for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, and for standing by me when I left home to play. They were the strength I needed to go with a clear conscience. I want to thank everyone, give them a heartfelt thank you and a warm hug of gratitude. Thank you all so much.”
Pepe began his career at Maritimo’s academy before rising to prominence with Porto, earning a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2007. He spent a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he made 334 appearances, winning three La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
At the end of his football career, Pepe leaves us with a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and, above all, a deep passion for football and the National Team,” said Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes in a statement.
“Pepe is a shining example of exceptional professionalism. I vividly remember how he played in the Euro 2016 final or how he competed with a broken arm against Morocco in the World Cup in Qatar, and how, at 41 years old, he performed with the same passion, dedication, and pride at Euro 2024.
As Pepe decides to conclude his football career, I cannot, as president of the FPF, overlook his 17 years of service to the national team.Pepe has always shown immense gratitude to the National Team and to Portugal for the chance to establish himself as one of the greatest central defenders in the history of Portuguese, European, and world football.
