The Portuguese Football Association announced on its website on the 9th (Korea Standard Time) that Pepe will end his active career at the age of 41. Pepe played his last game for the national team through the 2024 European Championship (Euro 2024).

Born in Brazil, Pepe’s real name is Kepler-Lavrang Lima Peheira. Pepe moved to Portugal at the age of 18 and signed a contract with Maritimu, and made his debut in the first division from the 2002-03 season, before moving to Porto in May 2004 to improve his skills.

Pepe finally moved to Real Madrid, a prestigious La Liga team, in July 2007, and blossomed his soccer career. He played 334 official matches (15 goals) for 10 seasons, establishing himself as the world’s best center back. He enjoyed the heyday of his career by winning three La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cup titles.

Pepe also played 141 A matches (eight goals) for the Portuguese national team, ranking third in all-time A matches after Cristiano Ronaldo (211 matches) and João Motinho (144 matches). Pepe, who made his debut for the Portuguese national team in 2007, was also considered a key player in winning the Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League. In June, he played in the first round of Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic at the age of 41 years and 113 days, setting a record for “the oldest ever appearance in the Euro tournament.”

Pepe posted a 33-minute video on his YouTube account and said, “I want to leave a hug of thanks to everyone who’s been with me,” and said goodbye to his fans.메이저놀이터

Ronaldo, a superstar who has worked with both the national team and Real Madrid for a long time, did not hide his disappointment at the news. “Words cannot explain how much Pepe meant to me,” Ronaldo said on his social media. “I respect you. You are my special brother. Thank you for everything.”