Who Is Pepe (footballer, born 1983)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pepe, whose full name is Képler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, was born on February 26, 1983. As of 2025, he is 42 years old. Born in Maceió, Brazil, Pepe moved to Portugal at a young age, starting his football journey in the youth academy of C.F. Os Belenenses. He rose to prominence playing as a central defender for multiple clubs, most notably FC Porto and Real Madrid. He has also represented the Portuguese national team since 2007, contributing to their victory in UEFA Euro 2016.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Maceió, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Pepe (footballer, born 1983)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 m), Pepe boasts an athletic build typical of a professional footballer. In terms of weight, he maintains a competitive edge at around 185 pounds (84 kg). His body stats, while not officially documented for 2025, reflect a blend of power and agility, essential for a central defender.
Pepe started in central defence in six of Portugal's seven matches at UEFA Euro 2016.
After missing the semi-final against Wales with a thigh injury, he returned to the team for the final, where he was named man of the match, helping his team to keep a clean-sheet in a 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts France and win Portugal's first ever international title.
His performance in the final was particularly noted by Sky Sports and Football Paradise Juuso Kilpeläinen for being firm and disciplined.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pepe is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. However, it is widely recognized that he is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Ana Paula, a Portuguese model. The couple has been together since 2012, and they share two children. Pepe often shares snippets of his family life on social media, highlighting his strong family values.
Born in Maceió, Alagoas, Pepe was named Kepler Laveran by his father in honour to scientists Johannes Kepler and Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran. He started playing football with local Corinthians Alagoano. At age 18, alongside teammate Ezequias, he moved to Portugal to sign with Marítimo in Madeira, spending the vast majority of his first season with the B-team.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pepe's estimated net worth is around $30 million. This substantial wealth has been accrued through his long football career, endorsements, and various business ventures. His annual salary from his current club, along with sponsorship deals, contributes significantly to his financial status, reportedly earning around $5 million per year.
For 2010–11, Pepe was joined at Real Madrid by countrymen Ricardo Carvalho and manager José Mourinho, pairing up with Carvalho to form one of the most efficient defensive pairings in La Liga. On 2 October 2010, Diario AS published an article where the player was reportedly open to leave the club on a Bosman transfer.
According to the newspaper, "[W]hen he signed for Real Madrid in 2007, he sacrificed a part of his salary to pay for his huge transfer fee – this made him one of the lowest earners at the club, making €1.8 million a year." Again, he missed several matches due to injury and, after exhausting negotiations, finally signed a new contract, renewing
his link to the club until 2015.
Career, Business and Investments
Pepe’s illustrious football career began in the early 2000s, with significant milestones including winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles and domestic league championships. Beyond his football achievements, Pepe has ventured into several business investments, including real estate and sports academies aimed at nurturing young football talent. He also engages in philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support various charitable causes.
On 19 August 2012, in the league opener against Valencia, Pepe collided with Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the play that led to the visitors equalising the score 1–1 (the final result). He was subsequently taken to hospital for observation, being released the following day.
Amid feuds with Mourinho, Pepe lost his starting place to Raphaël Varane throughout the season and would end up getting into a scuffle with Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone from the substitutes' bench in the 2013 Copa del Rey Final.
In the 2013–14 season, Pepe had a personal career high number of goals scored and appearances made for Real Madrid, making 11 appearances in their La Decima winning campaign in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager at the time, spoke of his importance saying, "We're more assured with him.
He gives us confidence, personality and he helps the other players; he is very important for them." In the 2015–16 season, Pepe made nine appearances in the UEFA Champions League and 31 appearances in all competitions.
He started the match when the team won the Champions League final against Atlético Madrid in a penalty shoot-out at San Siro, Milan.
Social Network
Pepe remains active on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter. With millions of followers, he uses his profiles to connect with fans, share personal insights, and promote brands. His online presence is not only a tool for fan engagement but also a significant part of his brand as an athlete.
Education
Pepe's formal education took place alongside his football development. He focused primarily on his football career from a young age, leading to limited conventional schooling. However, he emphasizes the importance of education for young athletes, often advocating for balanced development between academic pursuits and sports.
