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Portuguese iconic central defender Pepe announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 41 after signing with Porto expires at the end of June. Pepe played 737 matches for four clubs and 141 international matches Portugal over 23 years, including playing in UEFA Euro 2024 at the age of 41, becoming the oldest player to ever play in that tournament.
During his career, Pepe played with MaritimoPorto, Real Madrid And Besiktas before returning 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 Super Cups and more. With his national team he won the 2019 Nations League, but especially the UEFA Euro 2016 France in one of the most remarkable moments of the past decade in football.
Pepe decided to retire after playing his final season with Porto and the final tournament with Portugal this summer, despite being one of the best players in the tournament. During his career, he became famous not only for his performances but also for some crazy moments that made him an iconic figure of the game. Let’s list his five craziest moments:
5. Unstoppable vs. Juventus (2021)
Let’s start with a crazy but good moment. After returning to Porto in 2019, Pepe was called to lead the defensive line against some of the biggest teams in Europe. In 2021, when he was about to turn 39, he faced Juventus and his teammate for the national team Christiano Ronaldowho tried to win the Champions League with the Italian team. Pepe put in one of the best defensive performances and effectively carried his teammates to the next round.
4. Diving vs. Diving Morocco (2018)
During the 2018 World Cup, the Portuguese defender did not like how Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia patted him in an attempt to talk to him. Pepe dived to the ground and from that moment on there was a big argument between the two players. However, Pepe’s overreaction left many speechless that day considering the player he was.
3. Red card at the World Cup (2014)
A red card, one of many, against Thomas Müller And Germany at the 2014 World Cup. After 30 minutes into the match, Portugal was already trailing 2-0 against Germany in the opening match of the tournament. It seemed that Pepe unintentionally touched Müller’s face 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 match of the group stage.
2. Messi who? (2012)
When he played for Real Madrid, the Clasico matches against FC Barcelona were particularly strong and Pepe was part of some crazy moments. For example, he resigned in January 2012 Lionel Messis hand during a Copa del Rey match, causing a lot of noise. However, he apologized for the incident but also said it was not intentional. Pepe had already received a yellow card in that match, but the referee did not show him a second yellow for the step on Messi’s hand.
1. Ten-match ban (2009)
Last but not least, Pepe was banned for 10 matches. Yes, you read it correctly. While playing for Real Madrid in 2009, he conceded a penalty Getafe after fouling Javi Casquero with two kicks, one of them also went very close to his back and the back of the neck when Casquero was already face down on the ground. After being banned for ten matches, he also considered retiring from the game, saying: “If I feel that I am not in the right state to start playing again, I will continue with my normal life and trying to do something else to support my family.”
Luckily he didn’t do it.