New Delhi: Portuguese legend and ex-Real Madrid defender Pepe has had an illustrious career at both club and International level. He is still starting for his country even in his 40s and that is a commendable stat for the Porto man. The Portuguese centre-back is older than one-third of the nations competing at UEFA Euro 2024 and he made even more history against Slovenia.
After becoming the oldest player to ever appear at the UEFA European Championships in Portugal’s first match against Czechia aged 41 years and 113 days, his appearance against Slovenia makes him the oldest player to ever play a knockout stage game in any major tournament (UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup combined). At 41 years and 126 days, Pepe surpassed Peter Shilton’s record who was 40 years and 292 days old in his match against Italy at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Pepe has been a major part of Portugal’s campaign till now starting three of Portugal’s four games in Germany till now. Interestingly enough, the only game he didn’t start was the 2-0 loss Portugal suffered at the hands of Georgia in their final group-stage game. Pepe’s partnership alongside Ruben Dias has been key for Portugal over the last few years and Roberto Martinez will be hoping that it proves to be fruitful yet again.
Portugal are currently drawing 0-0 with Slovenia in their last 16 match in Frankfurt and will go on to face France in the quarter-finals if they make it past Slovenia. Their path to the trophy is a difficult one but if they do get their hands on the UEFA Euro trophy once again, it’ll be a fitting end to Pepe’s trophy-laden career.
Portugal stalwart Pepe added another record to his legendary career as he stepped on the field in Portugal’s last 16 match against Slovenia. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
