5 things you didn’t know about Pepe

He is actually Brazilian

You might be wondering how Pepe’s father paid in cruzeiros when he was in Portugal. He was not. Pepe was born and raised in Brazil, but has his adopted nation to thank for his football upbringing.

He moved to Portugal to try out his luck with Club Sport Maritimo in 2001—a decision that bore fruit as it was the seed that sowed his football career.

Why did he choose to not represent Brazil?

"I feel a bit like this (lack of recognition)," the Real Madrid defender said.

“But, I also understand. I left the country just before I turned 18 years and nobody knew me. I had a unique opportunity to come to Madeira and play in the Portuguese league. I feel something inside also moves with the person, but I took the option of leaving my country. I was lucky to succeed and be happy."

And that’s the story in his own words.