Former Real Madrid and Porto defender Pepe has announced his retirement from both club and international football at the age of 41.
Pepe announced his retirement from football on Thursday, August 8, saying, “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me.”
“All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to are the soul and essence. And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.”
“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, and to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence.”
“My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, and for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience.”
“I would like to thank everyone, give them a big thank you, and give them a big hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”
Pepe became a top-notch player after moving from Maritimo to FC Porto. After his tenure at Porto, Pepe went ahead and moved to Real Madrid for huge money worth €30 million in 2007.
He spent 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu before he moved to Besiktas in 2017.The Retired star made an emotional return to the Portuguese league to play for FC Porto in 2019.
The defender left FC Porto at the end of the 2023–24 season. He proceeded to lead the Portugal national team to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.
The Portugal national team lost to France in the quarterfinals via penalties.
Pepe Achievements
Pepe won the European Championship with the Portugal national team in 2016. Also, he won the UEFA Nations League with the country.
The retired centre-back won three Champions Leagues, two FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two Copa del Reys, and three Spanish Super Cups with Real Madrid.
Pepe has won four Portuguese titles, five Portuguese Cups, one Portuguese League Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, and five Portuguese Super Cups with FC Porto.
Pepe Net Worth
The former Real Madrid defender has a net worth of $13 million. He is one of the richest footballers in the Portugal national team because of his achievements over the years, coupled with his huge salaries and bonuses.
How old is Pepe?
The player was born on February 26, 1983, in the city of Maceio, Brazil. Pepe is currently 41 years old, with a height of 6 feet and 2 inches.
Pepe Stats
The defender made 737 appearances, scoring 42 goals and creating 36 assists in all club competitions. He had received 185 yellow cards and 15 red cards so far in his career.
Out of the 42 goals scored, 15 were for Real Madrid, 17 for FC Porto, three for Maritimo, and seven for Besiktas.
Pepe made his international debut for the Portugal national team on November 21, 2007. He went on to score eight goals in 141 appearances for the country.
