Football history has been rewritten in Germany, as a legendary English record standing for nearly half a century has finally fallen. Portugal's ageless defender Pepe has officially dethroned Three Lions icon Peter Shilton, becoming the oldest player ever to grace a major international tournament.
The monumental moment occurred during Portugal's thrilling Euro 2024 round of 16 clash against Slovenia in Frankfurt. At the remarkable age of 41 years and 126 days, Pepe stepped onto the pitch, eclipsing the record previously held by the former England goalkeeper since the 1990 World Cup.
The End of an Era: Shilton's 45-Year Reign
Peter Shilton's record had become one of the most enduring in football folklore. He set the benchmark at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, playing his final game for England against the host nation in the third-place playoff at the age of 40 years and 292 days. For 45 years, his feat seemed almost untouchable, a testament to his incredible longevity and fitness.
Shilton, who earned a staggering 125 caps for England between 1970 and 1990, remains the nation's most-capped male player. His record-breaking international career spanned four World Cups and included that famous night in Turin where his record was set.
Pepe: Defying Father Time
In the opposite corner stands Pepe, a modern-day defensive titan whose career continues to defy logic. The Portuguese centre-back, known for his tenacity and leadership, has been a mainstay for his country for over two decades.
His journey to breaking this record is a story of incredible professional dedication. While Shilton was a goalkeeper, a position often associated with longer careers, Pepe is an outfield player—making his sustained excellence at the highest level even more extraordinary. His performance in the gruelling 120-minute match against Slovenia, which Portugal eventually won on penalties, proved that age is truly just a number.
A New Chapter in Football's History Books
This passing of the torch marks a significant moment in the sport. Records are made to be broken, but Shilton's had stood for so long it had become part of football's fabric. Pepe's achievement is not just a personal triumph but a moment that connects different eras of the beautiful game.
As Euro 2024 continues, all eyes will be on the Portuguese veteran. How much further can he push this new record? And in an era of advanced sports science and nutrition, one must wonder: how long will Pepe's new record stand?
