Pepe (footballer, born 1983)

1.1. Birth and Family Background

Born on February 26, 1983, in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, Pepe was named Kepler Laveran by his father in honor of the renowned scientists Johannes Kepler and Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran. He grew up in a humble household where buying football boots was a luxury. His father purchased his first pair of Umbro Speciali boots when Pepe was 14, an event he cherished, stating he still feels the same excitement with new boots and that he would never let go of them.

1.2. Youth Career

Pepe began his football journey with local club Sport Club Corinthians Alagoano in Brazil. At the age of 18, he moved to Portugal alongside his teammate Ezequias to sign with C.S. Marítimo, a club based in Madeira. He spent the majority of his initial season in Portugal playing for Marítimo's B-team.

2.1. C.S. Marítimo

After spending most of his first season with the B-team, Pepe was promoted to the main squad for the 2002-03 season under Ukrainian manager Anatoliy Byshovets. During this period, he rarely missed a match and was utilized in various positions, including defensive midfielder. In the pre-season of 2002-03, Pepe was permitted to train with Sporting CP for two weeks, with a potential transfer deal to be negotiated. However, financial terms could not be agreed upon between the clubs, leading to the breakdown of negotiations. Pepe returned to Marítimo and helped the team finish sixth in the following campaign, securing qualification for the UEFA Cup. During this season, he contributed one goal in 30 matches.

2.2. FC Porto (First Stint)

In May 2004, shortly before Porto clinched the league and UEFA Champions League titles, Pepe signed with the club for 1.00 M EUR plus three other players: Evaldo Fabiano, Antônio Leonel Villar Nogueira Sousa, and Tonel. A clause in the contract stipulated that Marítimo would receive 20% of any future transfer fees for Pepe.

In his first season, 2004-05, under Spanish coach Víctor Fernández, Pepe was primarily a backup, playing behind veterans like Pedro Emanuel, Jorge Costa, and Ricardo Costa. However, the following year, 2005-06, under the guidance of Co Adriaanse, he had a breakthrough season. Adriaanse frequently employed an offensive 3-4-3 system, with Pepe often being the sole natural stopper, cementing his position as one of the best defenders in the domestic league. Porto subsequently won back-to-back league titles and the Taça de Portugal.

2.3. Real Madrid CF

Pepe's decade-long career at Real Madrid was marked by significant success in major competitions, but also by controversial incidents that defined his reputation.

2.3.1. Early Years and Controversies (2007-2011)

On July 10, 2007, Real Madrid signed Pepe to a five-year contract, with a transfer fee of 30.00 M EUR paid to Porto. Despite the high fee, Pepe was relatively unknown at the time, leading to initial criticism. He was given the number 3 shirt, previously worn by his idol, Roberto Carlos. In his debut season, 2007-08, he became a key part of the defense alongside Fabio Cannavaro, allowing Sergio Ramos to play as a right-back. He delivered a man of the match performance in a 1-0 win against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou, helping Real Madrid clinch the La Liga title.

Pepe's time at Real Madrid was also characterized by a series of controversies. In November 2007, he was involved in a training ground fight with teammate Javier Balboa. During the 2008-09 season, he was frequently hampered by injuries. On April 21, 2009, in a match against Getafe CF, he committed a foul on Javier Casquero in the penalty area, resulting in a red card. While Casquero was on the ground, Pepe kicked him twice, once on the shin and once on the lower back. He also pushed Casquero's head into the turf and stamped on him multiple times. In the ensuing melee, he struck another opposing player, Juan Ángel Albín, in the face. This incident drew strong criticism from teammates like Iker Casillas and led to a ten-match ban, effectively ending his season. Following the ban, Pepe expressed deep distress, stating he didn't remember why he acted that way and even considered retirement.

For the 2009-10 season, Pepe returned to the starting lineup. On October 4, 2009, he scored his first league goal for Real Madrid, heading home a Guti free-kick against Sevilla FC, though the team lost 1-2. However, on December 12, during a match against Valencia CF, he ruptured his right knee's anterior cruciate ligament after an awkward landing from an aerial challenge. This injury sidelined him for the rest of the season, jeopardizing his chances for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In the 2010-11 season, Pepe formed an effective central defensive partnership with fellow countryman Ricardo Carvalho under new manager José Mourinho. Contract negotiations proved difficult, with reports suggesting Pepe was one of the lowest earners at the club at 1.80 M EUR per year and was considering a Bosman transfer. Despite interest from clubs like Manchester United FC and Inter Milan, he eventually signed a new contract, extending his stay until 2015 with an improved salary of 4.00 M EUR, making him one of the highest-paid defenders globally at the time.

Towards the end of the 2010-11 season, Pepe was often deployed as a defensive midfielder, particularly during four high-stakes matches against Barcelona within a single month. On April 27, 2011, during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, he received a controversial red card for a challenge on Barcelona defender Dani Alves. While Real Madrid argued Alves had exaggerated the contact, a sentiment echoed by figures like Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, and Rory McIlroy, UEFA upheld the red card, resulting in a one-match ban for Pepe for the second leg.

2.3.2. European and Domestic Success (2011-2017)

On July 12, 2011, Pepe further extended his contract with Real Madrid until the end of the 2015-16 season. On November 6, he scored his team's second goal in a dominant 7-1 home victory against Osasuna. In the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg against Barcelona on January 18, 2012, Pepe was involved in another high-profile incident when he appeared to stamp on Lionel Messi's hand while the player was on the ground. Spanish media heavily criticized him, but Pepe insisted the incident, which went unnoticed by the referee, was "unintentional." The Royal Spanish Football Federation later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

On March 21, 2012, after a 1-1 draw away to Villarreal CF where he was booked and Real Madrid finished with nine players, Pepe confronted referee José Luis Paradas Romero in the locker room, reportedly saying, "What a ripoff motherfucker." He received a two-match ban for this outburst. Despite these controversies, Pepe and Sergio Ramos formed a formidable central defensive partnership during the 2011-12 season, making 29 and 45 appearances in La Liga and all competitions, respectively, as Real Madrid secured their 32nd league title.

On August 19, 2012, in the league opener against Valencia, Pepe collided with Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, leading to the visitors' equalizer. He was hospitalized for observation but released the next day. During the 2012-13 season, amid feuds with José Mourinho, Pepe lost his starting spot to Raphaël Varane. He also had a scuffle with Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone from the substitutes' bench during the 2013 Copa del Rey Final.

The 2013-14 season saw Pepe reach a personal career high in goals scored and appearances for Real Madrid. He played 11 matches in their victorious Champions League campaign, which culminated in La Decima. Then-manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his importance, stating, "We're more assured with him. He gives us confidence, personality and he helps the other players; he is very important for them." In the 2015-16 season, Pepe made nine appearances in the UEFA Champions League and 31 appearances across all competitions. He started and won the Champions League final against Atlético Madrid in a penalty shoot-out in Milan.

In his final season with Real Madrid, 2016-17, Pepe suffered from injuries, making only 13 appearances as Madrid won their 33rd La Liga title and their twelfth UEFA Champions League title, defeating Juventus in the final in Cardiff. He had sought a two-year contract extension, but Real Madrid only offered one year, leading to stalled negotiations. There were rumors of interest from clubs like Manchester City FC, Paris Saint-Germain FC, and Chinese club Hebei China Fortune FC. On June 6, 2017, Pepe announced his departure from Real Madrid after ten years via Instagram.

2.4. Beşiktaş J.K.

On July 4, 2017, Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş J.K. announced the signing of Pepe on a free transfer from Real Madrid. His contract was valued at 9.50 M EUR over two years, with an additional bonus of 4.00 K EUR for each match played. On August 13, he scored his first goal for Beşiktaş in a 2-0 home victory against Antalyaspor.

On April 19, 2018, in the second leg of the Turkish Cup against Fenerbahçe, Pepe received his first red card for Beşiktaş after a tackle on Souza. The match was later abandoned after the Beşiktaş coach was struck by an object thrown from the stands. On December 17, 2018, Pepe mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Beşiktaş due to the club's financial difficulties, which made it impossible to pay some players' salaries. As he departed, Pepe reportedly left a significant sum of cash for the club's maintenance, staff, and cooks.

2.5. FC Porto (Second Stint) and Retirement

On January 8, 2019, Pepe made a return to Porto after more than a decade, signing a 2.5-year contract. A week later, he played his first game for Porto since 2007 in the 2018-19 Taça de Portugal quarter-finals, a 2-1 away victory against Leixões. While Porto finished the 2018-19 season as league runners-up and lost the cup final to Sporting on penalties, they went on to win both tournaments in the 2019-20 season.

Following Danilo Pereira's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain FC, Pepe was appointed as the club captain on October 12, 2020. The following month, he extended his contract with Porto until 2023.

On October 25, 2023, at 40 years and 241 days old, Pepe became the oldest outfield player to play in the UEFA Champions League during a 4-1 group stage victory away at Royal Antwerp FC, surpassing the 17-year-old record held by Alessandro Costacurta. On November 7, in the return fixture, Pepe headed in Porto's second goal in a 2-0 victory over Royal Antwerp, becoming, at 40 years and 254 days old, the oldest ever goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history, breaking a record previously held by Manfred Burgsmüller since 1988. On December 13, he started and scored in a 5-3 Champions League victory over FC Shakhtar Donetsk, extending his records to 40 years and 289 days.

On March 12, 2024, at 41 years old, in a match against Arsenal FC, Pepe became the first outfield player over the age of 40 to play in the Champions League knockout stage.

Pepe's final professional game was for Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals against France, which Portugal lost 5-3 on penalties on July 5, 2024. One month later, on August 8, 2024, at the age of 41, he officially announced his retirement from professional football. In his announcement, he expressed gratitude to God for giving him the wisdom to continue his path, to all presidents who invested in and believed in him, and to all club and national team staff, teammates, and coaches who helped him grow and compete daily.

3.1. Naturalization and Early Career

Despite being born in Brazil, Pepe never represented his native country at any youth level. According to his father, in 2006, Brazil's head coach Dunga contacted him about a possible call-up, which Pepe declined, stating his intention to join the Portugal national team once he obtained Portuguese citizenship. He became a naturalized Portuguese citizen in August 2007.

On August 30, 2007, he received his first call-up to the Portugal squad for a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Poland. An injury suffered during club training prevented his debut for his adopted country, which finally occurred almost four months later on November 21, in Portugal's final group stage match against Finland, a 0-0 home draw.

In the Euro 2008 final stages, Pepe played in all of Portugal's matches. He scored his first international goal in a 2-0 victory against Turkey on June 7, 2008. Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Germany, but Pepe's strong performances earned him a spot in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, national coach Carlos Queiroz often deployed Pepe as a defensive midfielder. Despite suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Real Madrid, he recovered in time to be selected for the national squad participating in the finals in South Africa. He featured in the group stage match against Brazil (a 0-0 draw) and the round of 16 against eventual champions Spain (a 0-1 loss).

3.2. Major Tournaments and Key Moments

Pepe's international career was defined by his presence in numerous major tournaments and his crucial contributions.

3.2.1. UEFA Euro 2008, 2012, 2016

As a starter in UEFA Euro 2012 under manager Paulo Bento, Pepe opened the scoring in the second group game against Denmark, heading home from a João Moutinho corner kick in an eventual 3-2 victory. He was named man of the match for this performance. In the semi-final, he was one of two Portugal players to score in a 2-4 penalty shootout defeat to eventual winners Spain. He was again named to the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament.

Pepe started in central defense in six of Portugal's seven matches at UEFA Euro 2016. He missed the semi-final against Wales due to a thigh injury but returned for the final. In the final against hosts France, he was named man of the match, delivering a firm and disciplined performance that helped his team keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 extra-time victory, securing Portugal's first-ever international title. His pivotal role in the victory was particularly lauded by media outlets like Sky Sports and Football Paradise. For the third consecutive time, he was named to the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament.

3.2.2. FIFA World Cup 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Pepe received a red card in the first half of Portugal's opening match against eventual champions Germany for headbutting Thomas Müller. Müller was sitting on the ground when Pepe walked back and headbutted him, leading to a 0-4 loss. Pepe was suspended for the following match, a 2-2 draw against the United States, before returning for the final Group G fixture against Ghana.

On July 2, 2017, in the third-place match against Mexico at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, Pepe scored an injury-time equalizer, sending the match into extra-time. Portugal eventually won the match 2-1, securing the bronze medal.

In Portugal's opening match against Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Pepe went down after a collision with Spain forward Diego Costa, who then scored. The goal was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR) and allowed to stand. In Portugal's second match, Pepe went down after a tap on the back by Morocco's Medhi Benatia. This incident drew criticism from pundits like Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba, who labeled it "embarrassing" and noted Pepe's repeated diving. Pepe scored in Portugal's 2-1 defeat against Uruguay in the round of 16.

On September 6, 2018, in a friendly match against Croatia, Pepe earned his 100th cap. He captained the side and headed an equalizer from Pizzi's cross to secure a 1-1 draw.

Pepe was part of Portugal's squad for their 2018-19 UEFA Nations League win in 2019. He captained the team in three of the four group matches before starting in central defense in the semi-final against Switzerland. During this match, he fractured his right shoulder, causing him to miss the 2019 UEFA Nations League Final, which Portugal won 1-0 against the Netherlands.

Due to Zlatan Ibrahimović's injury, the 38-year-old Pepe was the oldest outfield player at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 finals in June 2021. On November 11 of that year, he was sent off in a goalless draw away to the Republic of Ireland in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.

In October 2022, he was named in Portugal's preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and was later included in the final 26-man squad. He scored Portugal's second goal in a dominant 6-1 win in the round of 16 match against Switzerland. At 39 years and 283 days old, he became the oldest player to score at the knockout stage and the second-oldest player ever to score in the tournament, behind Cameroonian striker Roger Milla. Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 0-1 loss to Morocco.

In May 2024, Pepe was selected in the 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024. In the opening match against the Czech Republic on June 18, he became the oldest player to feature in the European Championship, aged 41 years and 113 days. He also became one of only three players to feature in five European Championships. Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals against France after losing 5-3 on penalties, which marked Pepe's final game in professional football.

3.3. International Goals

| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Pepe
|-
! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 7 June 2008 || Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland || Turkey || align="center"|1-0 || align="center"|2-0 || UEFA Euro 2008
|-
| align="center"|2 || 9 September 2009 || Puskás Ferenc Stadion, Budapest, Hungary || Hungary || align="center"|1-0 || align="center"|1-0 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|3 || 13 June 2012 || Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine || Denmark || align="center"|1-0 || align="center"|3-2 || UEFA Euro 2012
|-
| align="center"|4 || 1 September 2016 || Estádio do Bessa, Porto, Portugal || Gibraltar || align="center"|5-0 || align="center"|5-0 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|5 || 2 July 2017 || Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow, Russia || Mexico || align="center"|1-1 || align=center | 2-1 (AET) || 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
|-
| align="center"|6 || 30 June 2018 || Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, Russia || Uruguay || align="center"|1-1 || align="center"|1-2 || 2018 FIFA World Cup
|-
| align="center"|7 || 6 September 2018 || Estádio Algarve, Faro/Loulé, Portugal || Croatia || align="center"|1-1 || align="center"|1-1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|8 || 6 December 2022 || Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar || Switzerland || align="center"|2-0 || align="center"|6-1 || 2022 FIFA World Cup
|}

4.1. Characteristics and Strengths

Considered one of the best defenders of his generation, Pepe in his prime was a quick, aggressive, physically strong, and tenacious defender. He was renowned for his exceptional work-rate, boundless energy, and hard-tackling approach. His height also made him a significant aerial threat, particularly during set-pieces. While primarily a centre-back, he was also occasionally deployed as a defensive midfielder at the international level. Over his career, he was praised by pundits, players, and managers for his leadership, tactical intelligence, remarkable longevity, and consistency. His ability to perform at a high level into his 40s earned him the moniker "ageless wonder."

4.2. Controversies and Criticisms

Despite his defensive abilities, Pepe frequently drew criticism in the media for his controversial on-field behaviors. He had a tendency to pick up cards and was known for violent or unsportsmanlike conduct, especially during his time at Real Madrid. Notable incidents included the Getafe incident where he kicked and stomped on Javier Casquero, his confrontation with referee José Luis Paradas Romero, and the controversial stamp on Lionel Messi's hand. He was also criticized for diving and making harsh tackles. His aggressive style earned him nicknames such as "the butcher." However, in the later stages of his career, his conduct on the pitch generally improved, with observers noting a cleaner and more disciplined defensive approach.

6.1. Club Statistics

The following table provides detailed club statistics for Pepe. The "National cup" column includes appearances in the Taça de Portugal, Copa del Rey, and Turkish Cup. The "League cup" column includes appearances in the Taça da Liga. The "Continental" column includes appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The "Other" column includes appearances in the UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España, FIFA Club World Cup, and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.

6.2. International Statistics

7.1. Club Honours

FC Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2005-06, 2006-07, 2019-20, 2021-22
• Taça de Portugal: 2005-06, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
• Taça da Liga: 2022-23
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2006, 2020, 2022
• Intercontinental Cup: 2004

Real Madrid CF

• La Liga: 2007-08, 2011-12, 2016-17
• Copa del Rey: 2010-11, 2013-14
• Supercopa de España: 2008, 2012
• UEFA Champions League: 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17
• UEFA Super Cup: 2014
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016

7.2. International Honours

Portugal

• UEFA European Championship: 2016
• UEFA Nations League: 2018-19

7.3. Individual Honours

• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012, 2016
• UEFA Euro 2016 Final Player of the Match: vs. France
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2013-14
• ESM Team of the Season: 2013-14
• CNID Best Portuguese Athlete Abroad: 2014
• Goal La Liga Team of the Season: 2010-11
• Süper Lig Team of the Season: 2017-18
• Süper Lig Defender of the Season: 2017-18
• Primeira Liga Team of the Year: 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
• Primeira Liga Defender of the Month: October 2020, November 2020, April 2023
• Quinas de Ouro Awards - Best Portuguese Player Playing in Portugal: 2020

7.4. Orders

• 

  Commander of the Order of Merit

8.1. Positive Evaluations

Pepe is celebrated as one of the best defenders of his generation, often cited as the greatest Portuguese defender of all time. His major achievements, particularly the three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the UEFA Euro 2016 title with Portugal, underscore his significant contributions to top-tier teams. He was consistently recognized for his leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game. His remarkable longevity and sustained high performance well into his late 30s and early 40s earned him admiration as an "ageless wonder." His consistency and influence on the defensive solidity of his teams were frequently highlighted as key factors in their success.

8.2. Critical Perspectives

Despite his many successes, Pepe's career was undeniably marred by controversies. His on-field conduct, characterized by violent tendencies, harsh tackles, instances of diving, and clashes with opponents and referees, drew considerable criticism. Incidents like the Getafe affair, the stamp on Lionel Messi, and his red card at the 2014 World Cup became defining moments that contributed to his reputation as an aggressive and sometimes unsportsmanlike player, earning him nicknames like "the butcher." While he later showed improvement in controlling his temperament, these incidents remain a significant part of his historical assessment and are critically viewed as detrimental to the spirit of the game.