sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
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

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

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.

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.

Advert

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.

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."

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.

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_

Recommended reads

Luke Riley makes bold prediction ahead of blockbuster fight on Conor McGregor v Max Holloway cardGetty ImagesForget Conor McGregor - Lone'er Kavanagh is the UFC star you should be watching this weekendGetty ImagesF1 and F3 trainer reveals gruelling physical and mental work drivers must do for each race ahead of British GPGettyDavid Croft proposes new Olympic sport with drivers from 'around the world' ahead of British GPGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

20 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    20 mins ago

    Man Utd player who made Premier League debut with Marcus Rashford has made his first million in new business

    The former midfielder retired from professional football at the age of 28.

    Football
  • Getty Images/Premier League
    an hour ago

    Five FPL hidden gems emerge as 2026/27 season officially launches

    With FPL officially back, here are five hidden players that you should consider, and one of them could be the best value pick in the game.

    Football
  • AFC Bournemouth
    2 hours ago

    Bournemouth's home kit for 2026-27 season enters top five worst-rated Premier League kits of all time

    The kit has received a 1.92/5 rating after its release this month.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Spain star becomes first player in football history to achieve incredible feat after World Cup win

    Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena made a little-known piece of history in New Jersey on Sunday.

    Football
  • Arsenal Create Incredible Piece of Champions League History With Athletic Win
  • Arsenal Create Champions League History After Win at Inter Milan
  • Arsenal Denied Incredible Piece of Champions League History With Last-Minute Goal
  • Arsenal Create Unrivaled Piece of Champions League History As Viktor Gyokeres Scores Brace