Kepler Laverán de Lima Ferreira
"Pepe"
Born in Maceió, Brazil, Kepler Laverán de Lima Ferreira (Pepe) began his professional journey with Corinthians Alagoano before moving to Portugal at 18 to join Marítimo in 2001. His commanding defensive presence soon caught attention, leading to a transfer to FC Porto in 2004.
- Primeira Liga: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2019–20, 2021–22
- Taça de Portugal: 2005–06, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
- Taça da Liga: 2022–23
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2006, 2020, 2022
- Intercontinental Cup: 2004
- La Liga: 2007–08, 2011–12, 2016–17
- Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14
- Supercopa de España: 2008, 2012
- UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016
- UEFA European Championship: 2016
- UEFA Nations League: 2018–19
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012, 2016
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2013–14
- ESM Team of the Season: 2013–14
- CNID Best Portuguese Athlete Abroad: 2014
- Goal La Liga Team of the Season: 2010–11
- Süper Lig Team of the Season: 2017–18
- Süper Lig Defender of the Season: 2017–18
- Primeira Liga Team of the Year: 2019–20,2020–21,2021–22, 2022–23
- Quinas de Ouro Awards – Best Portuguese Player Playing in Portugal: 2020
- SJPF Player of the Month: April 2006
During his first spell with Porto, Pepe lifted multiple Primeira Liga titles, Taça de Portugal trophies, and the Intercontinental Cup, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising defenders. In 2007, Real Madrid signed him for around €30 million — a move that would define the next decade of his career.
At Madrid, Pepe became a defensive mainstay, winning three UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga championships, two Copa del Rey, and two FIFA Club World Cups. After leaving Madrid in 2017, he played for Beşiktaş in Turkey before returning to Porto in 2019, where he added more domestic titles and remained a leader on and off the pitch.
International Career
Pepe chose to represent Portugal at international level, making his debut in 2007. Over a remarkable 17-year career, he earned 141 caps and played in four FIFA World Cups and five UEFA European Championships.
He was a cornerstone of the Euro 2016 winning squad — named Man of the Match in the final — and helped Portugal win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. In Euro 2024, at age 41, he became the oldest player ever to appear in a European Championship finals match.
Playing Style & Legacy
Pepe is widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs of his generation. Renowned for his fierce tackling, aerial dominance, and positional intelligence, he combined physicality with composure and leadership. While known for his aggressive edge, he was equally admired for his ability to read the game and lead from the back.
In November 2023, he set a Champions League record as the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history, scoring for Porto at 40 years and 254 days old. His career, defined by 34 major trophies across club and country, is a testament to his consistency, resilience, and winning mentality.
Honors
Porto
Real Madrid
Portugal
Individual