Pepe: The oldest in EURO, the terrifying 'butcher' is ready to return
Báo Thanh niên•17/06/2024
When Portugal face the Czech Republic (early morning of June 19), all eyes will be on Ronaldo. However, less noticed is that center back Pepe will also have the opportunity to enter EURO history as the oldest player in the tournament.
Pepe was born in Brazil but has represented Portugal. He has now won 137 caps and could make history by playing in his fifth European Championship, second only to Ronaldo (six). If Roberto Martinez picks Pepe for any of Portugal's three group stage matches, he will become the oldest player to ever play at a EURO. The record for oldest player to play at a EURO is currently held by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. The unique goalkeeper made his debut at EURO 2016 at the age of 40 years and 86 days against Belgium.
Pepe will become the oldest player ever to play at EURO if used by coach Roberto Martinez
AFP
Goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly with his unique style holds the record for the oldest player to play in EURO.
REUTERS
If asked how far Pepe has come, the European Football Federation used the young stars of EURO 2024 as a milestone. Pepe debuted in the Champions League in 2004, a milestone that took place before the birth of young English player Kobbie Mainoo. More notably, Kobbie Mainoo is a player who unexpectedly emerged in the 2023-2024 season in the Man United shirt and is highly expected in the tournament in Germany. In the match against Serbia in the early morning of June 17, Kobbie Mainoo also entered the field in the 86th minute. Next, Pepe signed a contract with Real Madrid in July 2007. More specifically, this time coincided with the birth of Lamine Yamal. The young Spanish star has just set a record for the youngest player to play in EURO 2024 when he was not yet 17 years old. Lamine Yamal also made fans remember him with the assist for Carvajal to score, sealing Spain's 3-0 victory over Croatia.
At the time Pepe was at his peak, Lamine Yamal had just been born.
REUTERS
Last season, Pepe's age was also a hot topic in Europe. In the Champions League, his excellent performance against Arsenal in the round of 16 was the highlight. Over the two matches, Pepe became the oldest player in history to play in the Champions League knockout stages. Commenting on his influence ahead of EURO 2024, coach Roberto Martinez said: "Pepe's role in the dressing room is very important, the way he represents the national team shirt could not be better. It was interesting to see Pepe play two matches in March and keep a clean sheet for 90 minutes. His communication skills, his positioning are unmatched by any other player. Having Pepe at EURO 2024 is great for Portugal."
The Butcher is ready!
Despite praise for his age and form, Pepe has always been nicknamed "the butcher". Up to now, Pepe has a total of 17 red cards and 212 yellow cards. Only Sergio Ramos - Pepe's defensive partner when he played for Real Madrid - has received more red cards than him with 29 times being sent off. 2009 was probably an unforgettable year for Pepe when the Portuguese central defender "lost control" in the match against Getafe. Not only did he foul Francisco Casquero, leading to a penalty for his team, Pepe also kicked the opponent in the back twice after he had just pushed him to the ground. More importantly, Pepe was wearing studded boots. Afterwards, Pepe described it as the worst day of his life as a player and as a person. Pepe was banned by La Liga for 10 matches.
Pepe and the horror moment 2009
AFP
In addition to this horrifying act, Pepe also stepped on Messi's foot many times, was sent off the field after a rough tackle on Dani Alves in a 2012 El Clasico match, and headbutted Thomas Muller at the 2014 World Cup, leading to the Portuguese team losing 0-4 to Germany. "I don't regret what I did" - that's what Pepe said after EURO 2016. "The butcher" with his ugly playing style, not popular with fans but always knows how to help his team protect their achievements. Pepe was selected in the typical squad of EURO 2008, 2012 and 2016, which is the clearest proof of his talent. In particular, EURO 2016 - where the Portuguese team was the champion, Pepe also played incredibly well. Without Ronaldo on the field, the former Real Madrid player threw himself into the game, blocking every chance the French team had in the final and even vomited when the final whistle blew.
Pepe (41 years old) and Ronaldo (39 years old) continue to conquer the EURO dream
REUTERS
At EURO 2024, Goncalo Inacio and Ruben Dias could become the main central defenders of the Portuguese team because of their good form. However, in Germany, Pepe, with his spirit and desire, is ready to devote himself to the Portuguese team.
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