Legendary defender Pepe announces retirement at 41

After a storied career spanning over two decades, Portuguese football icon Pepe has officially announced his retirement from the sport.

The 41-year-old, who was widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, hangs up his boots following a remarkable journey that saw him represent his country with distinction and achieve unparalleled success at the club level.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, Pepe announced with a caption, “OBRIGADO.”

Pepe’s last game came at Euro 2024, where Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarterfinals. He became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals tournament.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe amassed an impressive tally of 141 appearances for the Portuguese national team, during which he helped his country clinch the European Championship in 2016.

At the club level, Pepe’s most notable tenure was his 10-year spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won an enviable haul of trophies, including three La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

He also won two FIFA Club World Cups during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In 2019, Pepe returned to his former club, Porto, where he continued to excel, winning four Primeira Liga titles across his two spells with the Portuguese powerhouse.

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