Pepe has announced his retirement from football, after an incredible career. For Pepe to hang up his boots at 41 years old shows how incredibly committed he was to the game and keeping himself in the best possible shape. In fact, he played at the highest level right until the very end, being one of the most impressive players at the most recent EURO 2024 competition.

Pepe had a marvellous career in Europe but without a doubt, he is mostly remembered for his time with Real Madrid. For better or for worse, he made a name for himself with countless memorable moments. Known for being a heated individual, he wasn’t a stranger to the limelight.

Here are 3 reasons why Real Madrid will remember Pepe always, for better or worse…

3 reasons why Real Madrid will remember Pepe always, for better or worse

1. Pepe’s complete head-loss against Getafe

Real Madrid is a side which prides itself on class and tradition. Unfortunately, one of Pepe’s most memorable moments for the club personified the complete opposite.

In 2009, Pepe conceded a penalty against Getafe. However, the penalty was the least of Real Madrid’s concerns. What followed is unfortunately how Pepe is remembered by Getafe fans, hence why they despise him to this day.

Pepe conceded a penalty for a foul he committed on Javi Casquero, which was then followed by multiple kicks from Pepe, which were clearly towards the player and they were dangerous. He then lost his head and started a brawl between the two sides, completely losing all control.

Pepe’s head loss in this moment went against everything Real Madrid and the sport itself stood for. However, thankfully for the Real Madrid fans, Pepe took some time to reflect and he turned his reputation around. Despite continuing to be a rough tackler, he worked on his discipline to channel his anger better after this match. It was still early into his Real Madrid career, mind.

2. Pepe becoming an El Clasico standout

It feels like cheating to include every El Clasico match Pepe played in in one segment. However, Pepe became an El Clasico icon and one of the most influential players in the history of the derby. Whether he was on the winning, drawing or losing team, Pepe made the headlines in every El Clasico match.

There were brawls, goals and unforgettable moments. In many ways, Pepe helped to shape the glory days of the El Clasico and he was a key member of the Real Mdrid squad during the Ronaldo vs Messi era. In fact, Pepe even had his own moment with Messi, whereby he stamped on the Argentine.

Real Madrid fans will never condone violence of any kind. However, the sport was in a different era back then and certainly, Pepe made himself a lasting memory on the Clasico fixture, whether or not anybody agrees with his actions. To this day, Pepe remains a hated figure by Barcelona fans and a loved figure by Real Madrid fans.

3. His long-lasting partnership with Sergio Ramos

Without a doubt, Sergio Ramos is the best defender in Real Madrid history. However, his partnership with Pepe should not be overlooked. For ten years, they were the centre-back partnership of choice for Real Madrid.

It is crazy to think that anybody could make Sergio Ramos look like “the calm one” given how much the Spaniard devoted to Real Madrid, but Pepe certainly made Ramos look tame. To this day, the two are considered the best centre-back partnership which Real Madrid has ever seen and definitely within the Carlo Ancelotti era at least.