Sports

Pepe Retires From Professional Football At 41

Published

9 months ago

August 9, 2024

Former Real Madrid and Porto defender, Pepe retires from professional football at the age of 41.

Pepe left Porto earlier this summer before leading Portugal at Euro 2024, earning his 141st cap in the quarter-final defeat to France, and has now decided to call time on his career.

In an emotional 33-minute YouTube video, Pepe said: “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me.

“All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, they are the soul and essence. And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.

“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence.

My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience. I would like to thank everyone, give them a big thank you and a big hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”

Pepe won La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles at Real Madrid and was part of Portugal’s squad that won Euro 2016.

Sports

Osimhen Hails Remo Stars with N10m Gift

Published

12 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has gifted Remo Stars a whopping ten million naira following their historic triumph in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

The Napoli forward praised the team’s resilience and excellence, noting that their title win marked a turning point in Nigerian club football.

His cash reward is both a token of admiration and a morale booster for the victorious squad.

Remo Stars’ NPFL win is the club’s first major league title, a feat that has drawn praise across the football community.

Osimhen, known for his patriotism and passion for grassroots development, said the gesture was his way of celebrating the club’s hard work and inspiring other young teams to dream big.

The club has expressed gratitude for the unexpected support, describing it as a timely encouragement as they prepare for continental competitions.

Sports

Flying Eagles Land in Cairo for U20 Showdown

Published

17 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have touched down in Cairo ahead of their campaign at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, receiving a warm welcome from the Confederation of African Football at the Jewel Sports City Hotel.

The team was officially briefed by CAF officials on tournament protocols as they settled into their base to fine tune preparations for their crucial opener against Tunisia.

The high-stakes clash will be held at the June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo this Thursday, with kick off slated for 4 pm Nigerian time.

With national pride and continental glory on the line, expectations are high as the seven time champions aim to begin their journey with a strong statement.

News

Rüdiger Out of Season After Knee Surgery Blow

Published

21 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, dealing a heavy blow to the club’s LaLiga title hopes and his national team ambitions.

The 32-year-old German international had the procedure on Tuesday under the care of Dr. Manuel Leyes, with the club confirming a two-month recovery period.

This rules him out of Madrid’s final five league matches and throws his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup and Nations League into doubt.

Rüdiger sustained the injury during last weekend’s heated Copa del Rey final loss to rivals Barcelona. Despite playing through intense pain, he was later sent off for throwing an object in protest.

In a heartfelt apology, he admitted his actions were unjustified and revealed he had been struggling with knee pain for over seven months.

“Now I am finally pain free,” Rüdiger posted on Instagram. “The surgery went well. I will take it one week at a time and fight to return for the Club World Cup.”

His absence worsens Real Madrid’s injury crisis, with Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga also sidelined.

Madrid, currently trailing Barcelona by four points, faces Celta Vigo next before a decisive El Clásico showdown.

The Spanish football federation is still reviewing disciplinary action against Rüdiger, but with his recovery already underway, any suspension may have little effect this term.