Veteran Portugal Defender Pepe, 41, Calls It a Career.

Soccer General

Veteran Portugal Defender Pepe, 41, Calls It a Career.

Portugal defender Pepe has announced his retirement, closing the chapter on a distinguished and trophy-laden football career.

Pepe, 41, has announced his retirement, ending a remarkable career. This summer, he became the oldest player to feature in a European Championship finals, with his last match being Portugal's penalty shootout loss to France in the quarter-finals.

Over his career, Pepe earned 141 caps for Portugal, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho in national team appearances.

His club career included stints with Porto, Besiktas, and Maritimo, and he enjoyed a successful 10 years with Real Madrid, winning three Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies.

In a heartfelt 33-minute video posted online, Pepe thanked those who supported him, expressing gratitude to the club presidents who believed in him throughout his journey.