Portuguese-Brazilian defender Pepe, aged 41 years and 113 days, became the oldest player to play in a European Cup game when he entered the field in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic this Tuesday, in the first round from Group F.
The previous record was held by former Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days old when he faced Belgium in the 2016 edition of the tournament.
This Tuesday, in Leipzig, Pepe formed the Portuguese defense alongside Diogo Dalot and Rúben Dias.
Age is just a number 😮💨🍷 #SharingThePassion | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/5WPesoEeRY
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 18, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 39 years and four months, also started as a starter. He and Pepe are the two oldest outfield athletes to participate in a Euro game.
Both came up short against the Czech Republic, but could become the oldest player in history to score a goal in the tournament. The current record belongs to Austrian Ivica Vastic, who was 38 years and eight months old when he scored against Poland in the 2008 edition.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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