Pepe, full name Képler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, was born on February 26, 1983, in Maceió, Brazil. He began his career at the youth academy of Corinthians Alagoano. At 18, he moved to Portugal and broke into the first team at Marítimo. His impressive performances led him to FC Porto in 2004, where he won two Primeira Liga titles and the Taça de Portugal, also making a mark in European competitions.
In 2007, Pepe transferred to Real Madrid, a pivotal moment in his career. At Real Madrid, he developed into one of the world’s top defenders, winning three UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and several other trophies. Despite his success, his time at Real Madrid wasn’t without controversy, including his aggressive playing style and a notorious red card against Getafe in 2009.
In 2017, Pepe joined Beşiktaş in Turkey. Although his stint there was shorter, he brought valuable experience to the team. In 2019, he returned to FC Porto, where he rediscovered his form and helped the team achieve further success, including the Primeira Liga title in 2020. His leadership and experience are highly valued at Porto.
Pepe debuted for the Portuguese national team in 2007 and has earned over 130 caps. He won the European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 with Portugal. Known for his strong defensive skills and crucial goals, Pepe has established himself as a key player for his country.
Pepe’s playing style is physical and aggressive, characterized by strong aerial duels and tackles. Despite his sometimes controversial temperament, he is widely recognized as one of the best central defenders of his generation, with a career marked by both impressive achievements and notable success.
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