Portugal: Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has become the first player over 40 to score in the Champions League.
In the 90+1 minute of the match against Royal Antwerp in the fourth round of Group F on the evening of November 7th, Pepe rose high to head the ball into the near corner from a pass from a teammate on the left wing, securing a 2-0 victory for FC Porto.
The former Real Madrid center-back thus became the oldest player, and also the first player over 40, to score in the Champions League. At the time of scoring, Pepe was 40 years and 254 days old. He broke the previous record of 38 years and 59 days held by Francesco Totti, who scored for Roma against CSKA Moscow on November 25, 2014. The next three players on the list are: Ryan Giggs (37 years and 290 days, Man Utd - Benfica match on September 14, 2011), Filippo Inzaghi (37 years and 87 days, Milan - Real Madrid match on November 3, 2010), and Javier Zanetti (37 years and 72 days, Inter - Tottenham match on October 20, 2010).
Pepe (left) celebrates a goal with his teammates during FC Porto's 2-0 victory over Royal Antwerp in the fourth matchday of Group H of the Champions League on November 7th, at the Dragao Stadium. Photo: FC Porto
Pepe began his career in 2001 at Portuguese club Maritimo. He played for FC Porto from 2004 to 2007 before returning in 2019. Pepe is also a Real Madrid legend, with three Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.
This season, the 40-year-old center-back has continued to prove his abilities with eight appearances in all competitions. In the three previous seasons, he helped FC Porto win eight titles, including: two Portuguese league titles, three Portuguese Cups, one League Cup, and two Portuguese Super Cups.
Pepe is also a star for the Portuguese national team. He has played in Euro 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021, and the World Cups 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, belonging to the golden generation that won Euro 2016 and the Nations League 2019. At Euro 2008, 2012, and 2016, Pepe was included in the Team of the Tournament.
FC Porto currently sit second in Group H of the Champions League, with nine points after four matches. They are level on points and goal difference with leaders Barcelona, but have an inferior head-to-head record. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk are third with six points, while Royal Antwerp have yet to score. In the next round, FC Porto will play away against Barcelona.
Thanh Quy (according to Opta )
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