The passion fans pour into every thrilling BD Cricket Match is mirrored by the loyalty some footballers have for their idols — and when it comes to admiration, few can match what Pepe recently expressed about Cristiano Ronaldo. Once fierce teammates at Real Madrid, Pepe has taken his praise of Ronaldo to new heights, calling him not just the world’s best player, but even likening him to his own parents.
In an interview with Turkish media outlet Sabah, Pepe didn’t hold back. Just weeks after Ronaldo declared himself the greatest player of all time, Pepe doubled down on that belief. “Cristiano is like my father and mother. He’s the best in the world,” Pepe said. “I’ll proudly tell anyone that I once played with him. Every positive trait you can think of in a footballer — Cristiano has it.” When asked whether he would persuade Ronaldo to join him at Beşiktaş, Pepe smiled and said, “In football, you never know what the future holds.”
Pepe also expressed his deep affection for Real Madrid, the club where he spent a decade and built his global reputation. “Playing ten years at Real Madrid — it was a dream come true,” he reflected. “I gave everything for that club and will always love it, even though I’ve moved on. I’ll always support Madrid, just not when they face Beşiktaş — because I’m always hungry to win.”
As one of the few elite players missing only a World Cup title from their résumé, Pepe spoke about Portugal’s chances in the upcoming tournament in Russia. “We understand our strengths and limits, but also recognize Portugal’s potential is immense,” he said. “Just like we shocked the world in the Euros, we can make history again. I believe in our team.”
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Pepe shared a heartfelt story about his family. “My parents taught me never to forget where I came from. I grew up in a working-class family. To help out, I once tried raising fish by turning on the water tap at home. I sold those fish and gave the money to my mom. From a young age, I learned to support my family.”
This grounded, heartfelt perspective from a world-class player resonates far beyond the football pitch. Whether it’s the roar of a BD Cricket Match or the chants from a packed football stadium, fans appreciate players who stay true to their roots. And in Pepe’s case, his respect for Ronaldo, commitment to family, and drive to win continue to define a career built on more than just trophies — but on character, too.