Portuguese football has lost one of its most important players. Legendary Pepe, aged 41, announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday. Pepe announced his decision to retire in a video on his official channel.

Portugal’s Iron Defender Pepe Retires from FootballTime doesn’t stop even if you’re a superstar. Legendary Pepe unexpectedly announced his retirement on Thursday, August 8. The former Portuguese defender took to his social media page to post a 33-minute farewell video.

After terminating his contract with Porto this summer, there were doubts about whether the veteran footballer would continue playing. Pepe has finally decided to hang up his boots after an incredible 22-year career.

He began his career in Brazil, playing for Corinthians Alogoano de Maceio, where he was born. From there, he moved to the Portuguese second division before joining Maritimo in 2001. He made his professional debut on 12 April 2002, in a 31st round match of the 2001-02 Portuguese Primeira Liga against Boavista, starting the entire 90 minutes.

Pepe played 64 official matches for Funchal, scoring 3 goals, receiving 25 yellow cards and 4 red cards. After 3 seasons with the club, the defender moved to Porto, where he played for 3 more seasons (2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07).

At Dragoes, the defender left an indelible mark, winning five trophies: two Portuguese Super Cups, two Portuguese Ligas and one National Cup. He made 88 official appearances, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, as well as picking up 25 yellow cards and two red cards.

Pepe became a solid defensive bulwark and his good form at Porto brought him to Real Madrid. Los Blancos signed him in the summer of 2007 for €30 million, a considerable sum for a defender.

At the age of 24, the Portuguese did not hesitate to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Despite the pressure, he earned a starting place and formed a defensive partnership with Sergio Ramos. Pepe played for Los Blancos for a decade, making 334 official appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists. He won 12 trophies, including three Champions Leagues, before moving to Besiktas.

Pepe spent a season in Turkey before returning to Porto, where he made a further 132 appearances and won a further nine trophies.

The defender has also enjoyed international success, featuring in six of Portugal’s seven games as they won EURO 2016.

Pepe has 141 caps for his country, third on the all-time list behind Joao Moutinho (146) and Cristiano Ronaldo (212).

He played his final game in the penalty shootout defeat to France at EURO 2024, becoming the oldest player ever to appear at a EURO.

The legend played 878 games for club and country, winning 34 titles. On average, he won one title for every 26 games he played.

Pepe greeted the crowd after losing to France at EURO 2024In a video shared on Instagram, Pepe said: “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to continue my journey.

“I cannot help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me. All the staff of all the clubs I have been to, they are the soul and the essence.

“And 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, to my mother, who played an essential role in my journey by helping me fly towards my dream, which was to become a professional footballer.

“To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who has been my home when I was away.

“My children who believed in me, who have been a solid pillar in my life, who supported me when I left home to go out. They were the support I needed to be able to leave with a clear conscience.

“I want to thank everyone, send them my sincere thanks and a grateful hug. Thank you all very much.”