Pepe Makes History as Oldest Player in Euro Championship

Portugal’s veteran defender Pepe, aged 41 years and 113 days, set a new record as the oldest player to feature in a European Championship during their Euro 2024 Group F opener against the Czech Republic. Pepe surpassed the previous record held by Hungary’s Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days old during Euro 2016.

Starting in a back three alongside Diogo Dalot and Ruben Dias, Pepe contributed to Portugal’s 2-1 victory, cementing his place in tournament history. His international career spans 138 appearances since his debut in 2007, with notable performances across five European Championships, a feat matched only by teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 39, also made headlines by becoming the first player to participate in six European Championships, marking another milestone in his illustrious career that began at Euro 2004.