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.
In an Instagram tribute to Pepe, former Madrid and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote, “There are no words to express what you mean to me, my friend.”
“We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You’re unique, my brother.
“Thank you for so much”
Despite being Brazilian by birth, the center back began playing internationally for his chosen nation of Portugal in 2007.
He went on to gain 141 caps and the team’s first major trophy at Euro 2016, in addition to winning the Nations League three years later. When Pepe, then 41 years old, started Portugal’s opening match at Euro 2024, he broke the record for the oldest player to ever compete at a European Championship.
The match that ended Pepe’s 22-year career at the highest level of the sport was Portugal’s quarterfinal tournament elimination on penalties versus France.
“One of the greatest players of all time,” according to Portuguese football federation president Fernando Gomes, who also praised the defender for his “extraordinary professionalism, dedication, and passion for football.”