'Love for the game' keeps Pepe playing on

Veteran star helps Portugal book a place in last-16 with win over Turkiye

DORTMUND, Germany — Portugal veteran Pepe is the oldest player ever to appear at the European Championship, but that did not stop him being one of the best performers in Saturday's win over Turkiye, as coach Roberto Martinez described the 41-year-old as a "wonderful example".

The Porto centerback, who turned 41 in February, set the record for the competition's oldest player when he appeared in his country's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in its opening game at Euro 2024.

He passed the mark set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days when he played against Belgium in the last 16 at Euro 2016.