Pepe retires at age 41: Portugal great, former Real Madrid defender known for aggression, trophy-filled career

Portuguese iconic center back Pepe has announced his retirement from professional soccer at age 41 on Thursday after his contract with Porto expired at the end of June. Pepe made 737 appearances across four clubs and 141 caps for Portugal over 23 years, including playing in UEFA Euro 2024 at age 41, becoming the oldest player to ever play in that tournament. 

Over his career, Pepe played with Maritimo, Porto, Real Madrid and Besiktas before going back to Porto in 2019 where he played his last five seasons. The veteran won four Portuguese leagues, five Portuguese cups, three La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Rey, three Club World Cups, three Champions Leagues, two UEFA Supercups, and more. With his national team, he won the 2019 Nations League but most notably UEFA 2016 Euro against France in one of the most remarkable moments of the last decade in soccer.

Pepe decided to retire after playing his last season at Porto and the last tournament with Portugal this summer, despite being one of the best players in the tournament. Over his career, he became famous not only for his performances but also because of some crazy moments that made him an iconic figure of the game. Let’s rank his craziest five moments: 

5. Unstoppable vs. Juventus (2021)

Let’s start with a crazy but good moment. After coming back to Porto in 2019, Pepe was called to lead the defensive line against some of the biggest teams around Europe. In 2021, when he was about to turn 39, he faced Juventus and his national team teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who was trying to win the Champions League with the Italian side. Pepe put on one of the greatest defensive performances and basically carried his teammates to the next round.

4. Diving vs. Morocco (2018)

During the 2018 World Cup, the Portuguese defender didn’t really like how Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia patted him, trying to speak with him. Pepe dove on the ground and from that moment on it started a big discussion between the two players. However, the overreaction of Pepe left many speechless that day, considering the player he was. 

3. Red card at World Cup (2014)

A red card, one of many, against Thomas Muller and Germany at the 2014 World Cup. After 30 minutes into the game, Portugal were already 2-0 down to Germany in the opening game of the tournament. Pepe, it seemed, unintentionally touched the face of Muller with his hand, and the German immediately fell to the pitch. The referee had no doubts and showed the red card to Pepe, who missed the second game of the group stage. 

2. Messi who? (2012)

When he was playing at Real Madrid, the Clasico games against FC Barcelona were particularly strong and Pepe was part of some crazy moments. For example, in January 2012, he stepped on Lionel Messi’s hand during a Copa del Rey game, creating a lot of noise. However, he apologized for the event but also said it wasn’t intentional. Pepe was booked before in that game, but the referee did not show him a second yellow for the step on Messi’s hand.   

1. Ten-game ban (2009)

Last but not least is when Pepe was banned for 10 games. Yes, you’ve read it right. When he was playing for Real Madrid in 2009, he conceded a penalty against Getafe after fouling Javi Casquero with two kicks, one of those went really close to his back and back of the neck as well when Casquero was already face down on the ground. After he was banned for 10 games, he also considered retiring from the game, and said, “If I feel that I’m not in the right state to return to playing, I will continue with my normal life and try to do something else to support my family.” 

Luckily, he didn’t do it.