Pepe, the former Real Madrid and Portugal defender, has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.
The veteran centre-back, who also had stints with Porto and Besiktas, amassed nearly 900 appearances throughout his club and international career.
Pepe enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League titles. He also played a pivotal role in Portugal’s victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
Pepe’s journey in European football began at 18 when he moved to Portugal to join Maritimo. After being promoted to the first team in his second season, he spent three years at the club before transferring to Porto in 2004, where he first gained significant recognition.
Following three seasons at Porto, where he secured two Primeira Liga titles, Pepe made a move to Real Madrid in 2007. Over a decade at the Bernabeu, he made 229 La Liga appearances, winning three league titles, two Copas del Rey, and three Champions League trophies.
