5 things you didn’t know about Pepe

Some players don’t get enough recognition for their work because of the image they have among the general mass. Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira,is one of those players. Even though he has been at the top for a decade now, he rarely finds his name being mentioned among the best defenders in the world.

The Portuguese international has been one of the most consistent defenders in the world over a period of the last 10 years, and has achieved great success with his club Real Madrid and won Euro 2016 recently, with Portugal.

Though he is now in his mid-30s, his performances have been very good.  Known to be an emotional and hot-headed player, he has shown that he has a good heart.

Here are 5 things you didn’t know about the man -

Man of the Match in Euro 2016 final and part of Team of the Tournament

 

Pepe was colossal for Portugal in defense at Euro 2016 and was duly rewarded with his team winning the title. For starters, reaching the final of the tournament itself was a miracle for them,  as they won only one game in the allotted 90 minutes in the whole tournament. Winning the grand prize was something they would have never expected in their wildest dreams.

While the limelight was on Cristiano Ronaldo, it was Pepe whose steely displays in defense helped Portugal to a historic triumph. Cristiano Ronaldo was out injured with about three-fourth of the match left to play in the final. When most of Portugal’s hopes had already waned, Pepe stood up like a leader and defended like his life was on the line.

And, in the end, he was awarded with the man of the match accolade for his outstanding display of bravery and solidity in Portugal’s backline.

His consistency throughout the tournament also saw him named in the Team of the Tournament.