Legendary defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football

His no-nonsense defending will not be forgotten

The Portuguese centre-back has enjoyed a 23-year-long career and is now taking a well-earned retirement at the age of 41.

Pepe notably played for Real Madrid where he was one of two iconic Portuguese players along with Cristiano Ronaldo and made up one of the greatest centre-back duos of all time with Spaniard Sergio Ramos.

He played 334 times for Real Madrid winning three La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Pepe enjoyed a distinguished career with his national side, Portugal, playing 141 times and winning the Euros in 2016, the Nations League in 2019 and impressed fans with his vintage performances during Euro 2024 even at his older age.

The defender was known for his intense character and rageful defending always wearing his heart on his sleeve as he maintained a reputation as a fan favourite player.

His move back to Porto in 2019 was a testament to his longevity and winning mentality as the Portuguese stopper went on to win two Portuguese league titles, four Portuguese cups and one Portuguese league cup in what players would consider the twilight of their careers.

Unsurprisingly, Pepe in not the players real name, with the defender actually being called Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira.

The player was born and raised in Brazil, playing his youth football with Corinthians, but chose to represent Portugal after naturalisation in 2007 after six years in the country.