by One of Portugal’s key players is no longer in the team. On Thursday, the renowned Pepe, now forty-one, declared his retirement from the NFL. Through a video posted on his official channels, the former defender made his choice known.
For people, time does not pass in vain. On Thursday, August 8, the renowned Pepe unexpectedly announced his retirement at the age of 41. The former Portuguese defender posted a 33-minute farewell video on social media.
There were many questions about whether the seasoned player would stay in the game after he ended his contract with Porto this summer. The Portuguese, who had an amazing 22-year career, has finally made the decision to hang up his boots.
His origins are in Brazil, where he was born and played for Corinthians Alogoano de Maceio.Before joining Maritimo in 2001, he had previously played for Portuguese second-tier teams. On April 12, 2002, he made his professional debut against Boavista in the 31st matchday of the Portuguese League 2001–02. He played the entire ninety minutes.
Pepe represented the Funchal team in 64 official games, tallying three goals while accruing 25 yellow and four red cards. The defender spent three seasons with the team before moving to Porto, where he spent an additional three seasons (2004–05, 2005–06, and 2006–07).
The defender won two Portuguese Super Cups, two Portuguese Leagues, and one Portuguese Cup during his time with the “Dragoes,” leaving an enduring legacy. In 88 official games, he recorded 8 goals, 4 assists, 25 yellow cards, and 2 red cards.
Pepe developed into a reliable defensive wall, and Real Madrid acquired him thanks to his strong play at Porto. For a hefty 30 million euros, Los Blancos acquired him in the summer of 2007—a significant amount for a defender.
The Portuguese player, who was 24 years old, signed right away with one of the biggest teams in the world. In spite of the pressure, the defender secured a spot and teamed up with Sergio Ramos at the back. Pepe spent ten years as a player for Los Blancos, making 334 official games while contributing 16 assists and 15 goals.
The seasoned player made his exit known on June 6, 2017, and it was confirmed a few days later that he would be joining Besiktas. The Portuguese, who were only members of the Ottoman club for a year and a half, were warmly received by the club.
His third and final career stop was Porto, where he returned twelve years after his experience in Turkey. The Portugal international, a free agent at the time, spent six seasons back at the team that made him a star in the world of football.
