Portugal could field the tournament’s two oldest players when they kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, will likely be leading the line with his still-insatiable hunger for goals and breaking records. At the other end of the pitch, there’s 41-year-old defensive general Kepler Laveram de Lima Ferreira, better known as Pepe.
The Brazilian-born centre-back already boasts 137 caps and is set to make history by appearing in his fifth European Championship, just one less than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo. If manager Roberto Martinez selects him for any of Portugal’s group games, Pepe will become the oldest footballer ever to play at the Euros.
READ MORE: Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has made Scotland feelings clear ahead of Euro 2024 clash
READ MORE: Euro 2024 bosses introduce ‘robot ball’ to eliminate cheating and make VAR vow
The current record is held by Hungarian Gabor Kiraly, who featured aged 40 and 86 days old against Belgium in 2016. However, if Pepe’s recent showing in the 3-0 friendly win over Ireland is anything to go by, that record may not stand for much longer.
His remarkable longevity was a talking point during last season’s Champions League campaign, especially given his outstanding performances against Arsenal in the last-16 stage. Over the two legs, he became the oldest player in Champions League knockout history.
Is Pepe the most underrated defender this century? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: Getty Images)
To get a sense of just how much mileage his gangly legs have covered, Pepe made his Champions League debut for Porto in 2004, before England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was even born. And he signed for Real Madrid in July 2007, the same month in which Spain’s new hope Lamine Yamal was born.
But for all the praise regarding Pepe’s impressive longevity, shown by his 38 appearances last season on the way to lifting the Portuguese Cup, he is often perceived as solely a destroyer, a s***house and even a liability.
(Image: No credit)
That is thanks to a handful of high-profile incidents over his 20 years in European football. In 2009, he “lost control” after conceding a penalty to Getafe, twice raking his studs in Francisco Casquero’s back after he had just shoved him onto the ground in a moment of shocking head-loss.
He later admitted it was the worst day of his life both as a person and as a professional, before being slapped with a 10-game ban. His reputation for savagery was only enhanced by several other infamous deeds: standing on Lionel Messi’s hand in 2012, getting a red card for a high tackle against Dani Alves in another El Clasico, and headbutting Thomas Muller on the World Cup stage in 2014, which resulted in a 4-0 group-stage defeat.
He has accumulated 17 career red cards, just less than one per season, along with 212 yellows to his name. In comparison, his former defensive partner at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos, has picked up a far more eye-opening 29 reds.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Learn more
While he is correctly known as a master of the dark arts, Pepe’s defensive prowess often flies under the radar due to his hot-headed antics and long-lasting career. Returning to Porto in 2019 with three Champions League titles under his belt, Pepe was instrumental in two Primeira Liga triumphs thanks to his reading of the game, speed, aggression, and tackling.
Even more impressive is Pepe’s record with Portugal in major tournaments. He’s been named in the Team of the Tournament at three different Euros – 2008, 2012, and 2016, cementing his status as one of the competition’s all-time greats.
His crowning moment came in 2016 when he put on a defensive masterclass throughout the tournament, culminating in a Man of the Match finals performance that saw Portugal defeat France on their home ground to win the Euros. His presence will be crucial once again in Germany.
(Image: Getty Images)
Ahead of the Euros, head coach Martinez praised his impact, saying: “Pepe’s role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle.
“And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he’s fit, he’s a very important player.”
The future of the legendary defender remains uncertain as his contract with Porto expires this month. But a clear sign of his importance is their new manager making it clear that the decision on whether to return lies with Pepe himself, stating he will listen to his body in Germany before deciding his next move.