Portugal veteran Pepe announced on Thursday, in a social media video, that he was retiring from 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.”
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Pepe joined Portuguese club Maritimo at the age of 18 and went on to play for Porto, Real Madrid, and Besiktas.
He played a trophy-laden decade with Madrid, winning three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, and three Spanish League crowns.
He also spent two periods in Porto, from 2004 to 2007 and 2019 to 2024, winning four Portuguese championships and five Portuguese Cups.
Former Madrid and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo paid homage to Pepe in a post on Instagram: “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.”
Although born in Brazil, the centre-back made his international debut for his adopted country of Portugal in 2007 and went on to gain 141 caps, including their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and the Nations League three years later.
Pepe set a new record as the oldest player to play in a European Championship when he began Portugal’s opening game at Euro 2024 at the age of 41.
Portugal’s loss on penalties against France in the tournament’s quarterfinals marked the end of Pepe’s 22-year career at the highest level of the game.
Portuguese football federation president Fernando Gomes labelled the defender “one of the greatest players of all time” and thanked him for his “extraordinary professionalism, dedication… and passion for football”.
