Portugal’s Pepe made history as the oldest player to ever participate in a European Championship. At 41 years and 113 days old, Pepe surpassed the previous record held by Hungary’s Gábor Király. Király was 40 years and 86 days old when he played in Euro 2016 against Belgium.
Pepe, originally from Brazil, made his debut for Portugal at the age of 24 under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in November 2007 while playing for Real Madrid. With 137 appearances for Portugal, he has scored eight goals, received 25 yellow cards, and was shown one red card during the opening game of the 2014 World Cup against Germany. His recent game against the Czech Republic marked his 138th appearance for Portugal.
Having participated in 19 games across four European Championships, Pepe’s record is second only to his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 25 appearances in five tournaments. Ronaldo, at 39 years old, made his sixth European Championship appearance alongside Pepe in the recent game. He made his tournament debut in Euro 2004, where Portugal made it to the final.
This achievement comes shortly after Spain’s Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to feature in the tournament. Pepe’s longevity and impact on the field showcase his dedication and skill as a player, setting a remarkable milestone in the history of the European Championship.
As fans of the sport, witnessing players like Pepe and Ronaldo breaking records and continuing to excel on the international stage adds excitement and admiration for their contributions to the game. Their experience and leadership provide inspiration for younger generations of players looking to make their mark in football history.
