Portuguese center-back Pepe made UEFA Champions League history in Porto’s 2-0 win over Antwerp on Tuesday. By netting the second goal of the game, Pepe became the oldest player to score in UCL history at 40 years and 254 days.
The previous record holder was legendary Italian forward Francesco Totti, who scored a goal for AS Roma in 2014 as a 38-year-old player.
Pepe is also the oldest outfield player to appear in a Champions League match. There have been five players older than Pepe to play in the Champions League, but they have all been goalkeepers.
“This feeling is incredible because anyone who reaches this age playing at this level — representing a big club like Porto — knows it takes a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, a tremendous passion for this sport. I’ll try to enjoy it as much as possible,” said Pepe after the game.
Pepe scored his goal in stoppage time following a corner kick. Porto previously got the lead thanks to Evanilson converting a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. Antwerp, on the other hand, played with 10 men in for the majority of the second half after midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp was sent off due to a reckless tackle.
Porto is now second in Group H but has the same number of points as leaders Barcelona. The two teams play each other on Matchday 5 later in November.
