At 41 years old and counting, Pepe isn't just the oldest player at Euro 2024, he's the oldest player ever to feature at a European Championship - outfield or goalkeeper. Well over two decades since his professional debut, the Portugal defender remains a rock at the back and a fearsome competitor on the pitch.
Having moved away from his homeland of Brazil and forged an impressive CV for himself in Europe, Express Sport takes you through three memorable moments in Pepe's career...
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Retirement thoughts
Moves from Maritimo to Porto to Real Madrid saw Pepe reach the top by his mid-twenties, first pulling on the famous white shirt in 2007. But the most unsavoury moment of his career would follow only two years later.
Having given away a penalty in the dying embers of a game against Getafe, Pepe - who was only 26 at the time - kicked out at Javi Casquero while he was down and struck Juan Albin in the face. The centre-back was immediately dismissed and instantly regretful, as he said after the game he 'lost control' and could take time out of the game.
"If I feel that I'm not in the right state to return to playing, I will continue with my normal life and try to do something else to support my family. It's been the worst day of my life as a player and a person."
10-match ban
In the end, the incident between Pepe, Casquero and Albin forced the Portuguese into a time of reflection as he was slapped with a whopping 10-match ban. He made only 10 La Liga appearances the following season before gradually getting back to his best.
A veteran of 139 international caps, Pepe left the Bernabeu in 2017 and enjoyed a short stint at Besiktas before returning to former club Porto. The defender was already in his mid-thirties upon heading back to Portugal, and the stint has unexpectedly lasted five seasons.
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Brazil snub
Born in Maceio, Brazil, Pepe emigrated to Portugal when he was only a teenager. He never represented his country of origin in the youth ranks, but his father claims he received a call up from Dunga - Brazil's manager at the time - in 2006.
Despite the history attached to the famous yellow and green shirt, Pepe turned down the alleged approach in the hope of playing for Portugal. He made his senior international debut the following year.
