Hugely popular Pepe delights viewers during Portugal’s match against Austria

Very few players in football history have been as universally popular as Mr Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira - more commonly known simply as 'Pepe'.

A star of the Real Madrid defence, Pepe recently won the hearts of many as he courageously helped steer Los Blancos to their eleventh European crown in Milan - bravely standing tall despite repeatedly being on the wrong end of over-physical challenges from Atletico Madrid opponents. Three weeks later, and the Brazilian Portuguese defender is with his national team (Portugal) for the European Championships. Having been warmly applauded and cheered throughout their opener against Iceland, Pepe received a similar reception as he took to the field against Austria at the Parc des Princes. Millions more from every corner of the globe gathered around their television sets to watch their galant hero take to the field, many of them taking to social media to declare their admiration for the great man. Even before the match had started, people couldn't contain their excitement. https://twitter.com/JaseNunn/status/744236233719582720 And when it started, they couldn't get enough of the man... https://twitter.com/samiejonesx/status/744244292395249665 https://twitter.com/nicolajags/status/744253563422056448 https://twitter.com/Townendtopman/status/744248802241036288 Highlighting his dedication to fair play... https://twitter.com/StomperMcEwan/status/744253414050172928 https://twitter.com/07BenWedge/status/744250807357419520 ...the praise towards Pepe was relentless throughout the match. https://twitter.com/korrin74/status/742817391818735616 https://twitter.com/Disrespectful11/status/744253792863006720 Thank goodness we have the internet. Otherwise, such idols would simply never know what they mean to us.