• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Pepe's performance against Arsenal at the age of 41 was nothing short of remarkable, he's a history-maker

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 23:31 12 Mar 2024 GMTPublished 23:09 12 Mar 2024 GMT

Pepe's performance against Arsenal at the age of 41 was nothing short of remarkable, he's a history-maker

He became the first outfield player over the age of 40 to play a Champions League game – and what a performance it was.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

He may be 41 years of age but the history-making Pepe put on a defensive masterclass against Arsenal on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta's side secured their place in the quarter-final stages of this season's Champions League after beating FC Porto in a tense penalty shoot-out.

The Gunners levelled the second-leg tie through a first-half strike from Leandro Trossard.

Advert

And after a hard-fought 120 minutes, they eventually prevailed thanks to Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who all converted their spot-kicks.

David Raya also pulled off a wonderful save low to his right to keep out first leg goalscorer Galeno; thus sealing another memorable European night at the Emirates.

Regardless of Arsenal's latest triumph, however, the performance of veteran centre-back Pepe was on the lips of many – and for good reason.

The former Real Madrid defender produced a dogged and determined display against one of the Premier League's most in-form teams, dragging his teammates through the 120 minutes clash with heart and desire.

Advert

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Pepe's outing.

One fan said: "Pepe is 41 and still pulling off performances like this in the Champions League. Honestly, what a player. What a career," while another commented: "I’m on my feet applauding, this is a real all-timer."

A third wrote: "Pepe is genuinely one of the greatest CB’s of all time. World class defender, consistent, turns up big games, longevity and accolades at EVERY level."

A fourth said: "This Pepe monsterclass will never be forgotten. I’m in complete and utter awe at this performance."

Advert

A fifth added: "Pepe. I will make sure they remember you. They tried to lose the art of defending but you have reignited a generation. A true leader. Thank you for your services."

Pepe, who is the same age as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, also made history on Tuesday by becoming the first outfield player over the age of 40 to play in the Champions League.

To put that stat into further perspective, the FC Porto captain made his debut in the competition all the way back in 2004.

Advert

A quite remarkable player with equally remarkable fitness levels. Timeless.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: FC Porto, Arsenal, Champions League, Pepe

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

X

@jackkenmare_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Barca Fans React After ‘Surprise Name’ Emerges to Replace Lewandowski

    Barcelona are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but the leading chose has surprised many.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Real Madrid Star in 'Training Ground Bust-Up With Jude Bellingham' Could Be Axed

    The star player has reportedly fallen out of favour with Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.

    Football
  • JohnTerry26/TikTok
    4 hours ago

    Diego Costa Takes Out Female Former Chelsea Player With Bruising Tackle In Training

    The former Chelsea striker was a force to be reckoned with during his time in the Premier League.

    Football
  • Getty
    4 hours ago

    Most Violent Football Match Ever Saw 74 People Die and 11 Get Death Sentences

    The tragedy saw hundreds of fans get injured and led to football in the country completely shutting down.

    Football
  • Arsenal Create Incredible Piece of Champions League History With Athletic Win
  • Spanish media make feelings clear on Kylian Mbappe after dismal performance against Arsenal
  • Rio Ferdinand performs U-turn on Arsenal player after his performance against Real Madrid
  • Mo Salah creates remarkable piece of Premier League history against Spurs that’s never been done before