Born on February 26, 1983, Pepe currently serves as the captain of Porto in the Primeira Liga, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.
Despite his Brazilian roots, Pepe chose to represent the Portugal national team, solidifying his place as one of the most respected defenders in the sport.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe has donned the jerseys of several esteemed clubs, including Marítimo, Porto, Real Madrid, and Beşiktaş. It was during his time with Real Madrid that he attained significant individual and team achievements, including multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Despite being born in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, Pepe made the pivotal decision to represent Portugal internationally. Since his debut in 2007, he has amassed an impressive 134 caps for Portugal, participating in numerous FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. Notably, he played a crucial role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, earning the title of Man of the Match in the final.
Pepe’s journey into professional football began with local club Corinthians Alagoano before making the leap to Portugal to join Marítimo at the age of 18. His remarkable talent quickly propelled him into the spotlight, earning him a place in Marítimo’s main squad for the 2002–03 season.
His tenure with Porto saw him blossom into one of the finest defenders in the league, winning several Primeira Liga titles and Taça de Portugal titles. His impressive performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who secured his services in 2007 for a substantial transfer fee.
Pepe’s time at Real Madrid was marked by both triumphs and controversies. While he played a pivotal role in the club’s success, including memorable victories in El Clásico matches, he also faced scrutiny for his aggressive playing style, resulting in various disciplinary incidents and suspensions.
Following his tenure at Real Madrid, Pepe embarked on a new chapter in his career with Beşiktaş in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess. However, his time at Beşiktaş was marred by a red card incident during a Turkish Cup match against Fenerbahçe, leading to the termination of his contract.
Pepe’s return to Porto in 2019 marked a homecoming for the seasoned defender, where he continues to inspire his teammates both on and off the field. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed as club captain in 2020, a testament to his influence within the team.
Despite his advancing age, Pepe continues to defy expectations and set new records in the sport. His remarkable achievements include becoming the oldest outfield player to feature in the UEFA Champions League and the oldest goalscorer in the tournament’s history, showcasing his enduring impact on the game.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Pepe is a devoted family man, married to Ana Sofia Moreira, with whom he shares two daughters. Off the pitch, he is known for his charitable endeavors and commitment to giving back to the community, cementing his status as a respected figure both within and outside the world of football.
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