BTN News: The football world bids farewell to one of its most formidable defenders, as Pepe, the stalwart luso-Brazilian center-back, officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Pepe leaves behind a legacy defined by grit, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The announcement, made through an emotional video titled “Obrigado” (which means “thank you” in Portuguese), saw Pepe reflect on a journey that took him from the streets of Maceió, Brazil, to the grand stages of world football, where he accumulated an impressive 31 trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Born Képler Laveran de Lima Ferreira in Maceió in 1983, Pepe’s journey to stardom began in the Brazilian club Corinthians Alagoano, where his talent quickly caught the attention of European scouts. At just 19, he made a bold move to Portugal, joining Marítimo in 2001. This transition marked the beginning of a deep and enduring relationship with Portuguese football, one that would see him naturalized as a Portuguese citizen in 2007, and later become a stalwart for the Portuguese national team.
After three years at Marítimo, where his tenacity and defensive prowess began to shine, Pepe made the step up to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs, FC Porto, in 2004. His time at Porto was marked by success, as he won two Primeira Liga titles and a Taça de Portugal, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s best defenders. It wasn’t long before the big clubs came calling, and in 2007, Pepe made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, a club where he would spend nearly a decade and solidify his place among football’s elite.
At Real Madrid, Pepe became synonymous with the club’s defensive solidity, forming formidable partnerships with the likes of Sergio Ramos. Over his 10-year tenure, he played 334 matches, scoring 15 goals, and contributed to one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. His trophy cabinet with Los Blancos is nothing short of remarkable, with three UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga championships, two Copa del Rey trophies, two FIFA Club World Cups, and two UEFA Super Cups. These achievements underscored his importance to the club and his status as one of the best defenders of his generation.
In 2017, after a decade of glory with Real Madrid, Pepe sought a new challenge and joined Turkish giants Beşiktaş. His time in Turkey was short-lived, lasting only a season and a half, but even there, his influence was undeniable. However, it was clear that his heart remained in Portugal, and in 2019, he made an emotional return to FC Porto, where he would continue to add to his already glittering career.
Back at Porto, even in the twilight of his career, Pepe’s leadership and experience were invaluable. As captain, he guided the team to two more Primeira Liga titles, four domestic cups, and a Taça da Liga, demonstrating that age had not diminished his abilities or his hunger for success. His influence extended beyond the pitch, serving as a mentor to younger players and a symbol of the club’s fighting spirit.
Internationally, Pepe’s impact was equally profound. After becoming a naturalized Portuguese citizen, he earned 141 caps for Portugal, representing the national team in four FIFA World Cups and five UEFA European Championships. His defensive masterclass was pivotal in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph, where he played a key role in helping his team secure their first major international title. His performances on the international stage further solidified his reputation as one of the game’s great defenders.
Pepe’s announcement of his retirement comes after his final appearance for Portugal at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, bringing to a close a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on both club and international football. In his farewell video, Pepe paid tribute to those who supported him throughout his career, particularly his mother, who he credited with allowing him to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He also expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, fans, and the presidents of the clubs that placed their trust in him.
As football bids adieu to one of its fiercest competitors, Pepe’s legacy will be remembered not just for the trophies he won, but for the passion, dedication, and unyielding spirit he brought to every match. His career serves as an inspiration to countless young footballers around the world, and his absence will be felt deeply by fans, particularly those who watched him become a legend in the white of Real Madrid and the blue of FC Porto.
In a career that spanned 894 matches, Pepe’s influence on the game was immense, and his retirement marks the end of an era. As he steps away from the pitch, football enthusiasts worldwide will remember him as a warrior who gave everything for his teams, a leader who commanded respect, and a player who left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
