Pepe

Pepe, born Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, is a revered figure in the world of football, renowned for his prowess as a center-back and leadership qualities. Born in Brazil, he has carved his name in the annals of the sport while representing Portugal internationally. Currently, he captains Primeira Liga club Porto, where his defensive acumen shines.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe has donned the jerseys of esteemed clubs including Marítimo, Real Madrid, and Beşiktaş, but it was with Porto and Real Madrid where he achieved remarkable success. With Real Madrid, he secured an impressive collection of titles including three La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and two Copa del Rey titles, amassing 334 appearances.

At Porto, Pepe continued his triumphs, securing four Primeira Liga titles and three Taça de Portugal titles. His journey with the Portuguese national team has been equally remarkable, amassing 134 caps since his debut in 2007. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 victory, earning the prestigious title of man of the match in the final.

Pepe’s tenacity, physical strength, and tactical awareness make him a formidable presence on the field. Despite his age, he continues to defy expectations, breaking records such as becoming the oldest outfield player to grace the UEFA Champions League at the age of 40 years and 241 days. His versatility as a defender, capable of slotting in as a defensive midfielder when needed, underscores his adaptability and commitment to his team’s success.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Pepe has displayed an uncanny ability to score crucial goals, as evidenced by his historic strike in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the age of 39 years and 283 days, solidifying his status as a legend of the game.