Cristiano Ronaldo congratulates Pepe as defender hangs up boots

Pepe, a veteran of Real Madrid and Portugal, declared his retirement from professional football on Thursday, following 23 years of play. The defender won 141 caps for his country while playing in 742 games for four different teams, including Porto, Real Madrid, and Besiktas. In the quarterfinal of the Euro 2024, he made his last appearance for the Selecao against France.

As the seasoned defender made the decision to hang up his boots, Ronaldo, a former teammate from Portugal and Real Madrid, posted a touching tribute on Instagram. The star player wrote: “There are no words to express how much you mean to me, my friend. We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are one of a kind, my brother. Thank you for so much.”

The Al-Nassr striker was joined in honoring the 41-year-old by Portugal’s Roberto Martinez and Porto. Martinez stated, “Dear Pepe, today is a very special day for you and your family, but also for Portuguese football,” in a video posted to YouTube by the Portugal Football Federation. I want to wish you the very best. I’ll make two points in my message. Let me start by congratulating you. Congratulations on a profession that has brought you success and has given you countless memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

“Secondly, thank you. Thank you for what you did for the national team, for what you did during your fifth European Championship, which is undoubtedly an example. You left a legacy for future generations of Portugal. Congratulations and thank you. May this be the beginning of a new stage full of happiness in your life, with your family.”

It’s unclear whether Pepe would return to football in a coaching or punditing role after an incredibly successful career spanning more than 20 years.