Tributes have poured in for Pepe, the former Real Madrid and Portugal defender, after he announced his retirement from professional football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric were among the first to pay homage to the 41-year-old, who hung up his boots after a glittering 23-year career.
Pepe made his debut for Maritimo in 2001 and went on to make 737 club appearances, as well as earning 141 caps for Portugal. He won three Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and two Copa del Rey trophies with Real Madrid, and memorably lifted the European Championship with Portugal in 2016.
Cristiano Ronaldo has led the tributes to his former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Pepe
The 41-year-old eventually made 737 club appearances, as well as receiving 141 caps for his national team
He memorably won the European Championships with Portugal in 2016 after beating hosts France in the final (Pepe pictured second right in sling)
Ronaldo, who played alongside Pepe at Real Madrid and for Portugal, took to Twitter to express his admiration for his friend and former teammate. ‘There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend,’ he wrote. ‘We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are unique, my brother. Thank you for so much.’
Sergio Ramos, who formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Pepe at Real Madrid, posted an Instagram tribute. ‘A true warrior. Many matches, wins and trophies together. It was a pleasure playing alongside you, brother. Enjoy this new stage of your life, I wish you the best, my friend.’
He waved goodbye to his Portugal career at Euro 2024 after becoming the oldest man to feature at the tournament
Luka Modric, who played with Pepe at Real Madrid, simply posted ‘Leyenda’ (Legend) in response to the news.
Manchester United defender and Portugal colleague Diogo Dalot also paid tribute, posting a love heart to express his feelings for the icon.
Real Madrid, where Pepe spent 10 years of his career, released a lengthy statement praising their former player. ‘Faced with Pepe’s announcement about his retirement from football as a professional player, Real Madrid C. F. wants to show his gratitude, affection and admiration for one of the great legends of our club and world football,’ it read.
The statement went on to list Pepe’s numerous achievements with the club, including three Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, and three La Liga crowns.