Pepe becomes oldest European to play in major tournament knockout game

Portugal defender Pepe has become the oldest player to appear in a knockout-stage game at a World Cup or European Championships, surpassing the record held by Peter Shilton.

England goalkeeping great Shilton was 40 years and 292 days old when he represented the Three Lions in their third-place play-off loss to Italy at the 1990 World Cup.

At 41 years and 126 days old, Pepe claimed that record for himself when he started Portugal’s Euro 2024 last-16 meeting with Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo are also the two oldest players to appear at the Euros, with the Selecao captain aged 39 years and 147 days when he stepped out versus Slovenia.

41 – At 41 years and 126 days, Pepe becomes the oldest player to appear in a knockout stage match in major tournaments (World Cup and EURO), surpassing Peter Shilton’s record in the 1990 World Cup v Italy for 3rd place (40y and 292d).

Eternal. pic.twitter.com/QPvHR23paZ

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 1, 2024