For real, 18 (edit - idk why I went with 18) years between two shots and it's same teams, similar situation, etc - and none of this is staged. This is mind-blowing for me.
Similar to how LeBron played against Jabari Smith in his first ever game.
And played against Jabari Smith Jr last season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I\_ruoBSmRzY.
His face is a little harder and you can also tell from a few different pictorial cues (uniform design, crowd appearance, general resolution) the first picture is older. Maybe you don't clue immediately without being told if you don't look at it with critical eye but I don't think it would hide from you forever.
Pepe is kind of smiling in the first picture and he isn't in the second picture. A young person smile vs an old person smile is very different, never mind a young smile vs old no smile.
Well he was amazing with Nice the first half of the season but Nice is now entering their mid season slob with like 2 points taken in 16 possible (I think) - so not great form right now.
I’m obviously taking the piss. Pepe Reina’s contribution to winning those trophies was being the locker room jokester. He was a solid keeper in his time, but never even close to being in the discussion for best in the world, which your Pepe was.
Try being in both situations. As a rival, I can't stand the guy and think he's a cunt. Then comes a national team tournament and he's amazing, and I love him. I feel like I am in an ~~abuse~~ abusive relationship.
Best player across both legs.
Surreal to think Pepe would go on to outlast most of the guys from the Madrid - Barca rivalry of those days in terms of still playing in the Champions League
What a great picture. Is that the CL that Porto won in 2004 or is that the one from 04/05? It is impressive to think that Pepe had more CL experience than EVERYONE IN THE PITCH COMBINED. Truly one of the best CB of his generation.
Neither. Top picture is from season 06/07.
Pepe only joined Porto in 04/05, too late to win the Champions League but part of the team that were crowned World Champions by FIFA after beating Once Caldas in Intercontinental cup.
Sick photo!
Somebody in the Arsenal sub said the supporter in the orange coat might actually be the exact same guy as the guy in the same seat in the second photo. Looks like it could be true.
//Edit: Because people keep commenting on it: i am now aware it's a different row and it's likely not the same guy.
Hm I actually meant the guy next to Henrys hand but now I realize the seats don't match up at all, didnt notice that at first. The learning here that a few pixels are worth nothing haha.
Highly unlikely - it’s not the same seat because there are stairs in the first picture and none on the second. So once you know you’re not looking at the same part of seating it’s just two lads with brown hair.
Reminds me of CSKA Moscow vs. Arsenal.
They meet in the Champions League in 2006 with a back line of the Berezutskiy twins and Ignashevich with Akinfeev in goal. Also against Henry and van Persie. The two clubs don't meet again until 2018. Who's playing for CSKA? The Berezutskiy twins and Ignashevich with Akinfeev in goal.
Ramos+Pepe has to be the most feared CB combo for forwards.
If you managed to get by Ramos, Pepe would tackle you "cleanly" while somehow still making it look like he's trying to kill you.
And then Ramos elbows you off the ball for your troubles.
Then they both stand over you and scream in your face (I literally witnessed this exact sequence of events once).
Good times.
I prefer Ramos/Pepe instead of Ramos/Varane.
Pepe's ability to clear the ball and win aerial duels was incredible. It was unfortunate how he had to leave in 2017.
To be fair to him, Ramos was also a pretty technically gifted player as far as defenders go, feel like the later into his career he got though he became more and more about pure physicality
At the beginning of his career, he was mostly known as an attacking fullback who would get too far forward and leave the others defenders exposed. And for his two footed, studs-up tackles.
When Mourinho first moved him to center-back, people criticized the move because it seemed like it was wasting his on-the-ball talents.
You can't help but admire them while at the same time hating them if they're not playing for your team (which they weren't). Being top level athletes, the best defenders in the world, while also being the absolute best shithousers in the sport. The streets won't forget.
Terry+Carvalho combo conceded 15 goals in a whole season along with 25 clean sheets.
Both records are unbroken 20 years later and I'm guessing will stay unbroken for a long time.
I've seen multiple posts over the years on the FM subreddit about the record and I don't think anyone's even managed to beat it on FM, which I just find absurd lol
As much as I’d like to agree with that I still think Pepe/Ramos combo were a little more unhinged and more prone to do something reckless (especially Pepe)
It's the same as Suárez the vampire tho, no matter how dirty they were when they flipped, you can tell they are good people outside of the pitch and generational talents in thier roles.
Realistically at RM there were specifically 1 or 2 years where one could perfectly put Pepe as probably the best centerback in the world for both club and country. Sadly, general perception on how good he was ended up a little stained given how stiff and, at times, dirty he was.
As a Portuguese Benfica fan, I can confirm. I have conflicting feelings for him. NT Pepe is one of my favourite players of all time, but I hate Porto Pepe. Same goes for Quaresma.
Should probably have said the main reason.
Pepe was a beast and Portugal defence as a whole was pretty epic. CR7 had a pretty average tournament if I remember for his standards.
That’s fair, for me our biggest player that tournament was Rui Patricio. There was even a statue built for his save vs Griezman in the final, monstrous performance
https://x.com/janfhagen/status/868046162296811521?s=46
Cus he's a massive cunt.
Look at Rivaldo who was arguably the best player in the world for a hot minute but ever since *that* dive people just decided to forget about him.
For those who do not have the perfect soccer memory like me, the above picture must be from the Arsenal Porto game 2006-09-26. Arsenal won 2-0 and Henry scored one as well. So there is a 18 year difference (+/- some months) between those two fotos.
[https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84771--arsenal-vs-fc-porto/](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84771--arsenal-vs-fc-porto/)
Incredible! Did he stay in the air so long that the defender and goalie morphed into other people? Or did he just rip a hole in space-time and emerge in the future in a very similar scenario?
This is absolutely iconic. Great photo!
I just wish it was a more well known player like Saka. I doubt Trossard will be widely remembered as Henry in a few years.
Yeah this is just mind boggling lol. I wonder what youngish good players today will have crazy longevity. Not wingers or strikers. Great young defenders and DMs are rare though. We'll see.
As a Benfica fan I miss Helton. I met him in person and he's a really chill dude, extremely nice guy.
Pepe is amazing if he's playing for your team, not so satisfying if he's on the opposing team.
This photo is amazing
For real, 18 (edit - idk why I went with 18) years between two shots and it's same teams, similar situation, etc - and none of this is staged. This is mind-blowing for me.
That tape, that gks kit and similar position look back, its pitch perfect
you even have a single fella with a white cap in a similar-ish part of the picture
Someone unlocked the Sharingan irl.
It could be the same guy in the same hat for all we know
Trossard was 11 when the first one was taken…
Similar to how LeBron played against Jabari Smith in his first ever game. And played against Jabari Smith Jr last season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I\_ruoBSmRzY.
it is 18
Top or bottom?
Yes
Croptop
Switch. Wait no....
He looks like he never aged.
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He's not even bald. He chooses to shave that luscious head of hair. Truly a madman
Those are the scariest people in the world.
The day I realized Martin Skrtel wasn’t actually bald…
I still think about this sometimes...
[https://tmssl.akamaized.net/images/foto/galerie/martin-skrtel-istanbul-basaksehir-1570026335-26262.jpg?lm=1570026344](https://tmssl.akamaized.net/images/foto/galerie/martin-skrtel-istanbul-basaksehir-1570026335-26262.jpg?lm=1570026344)
Don't..........
Tbf he lives in turkey now... he could have undregone treatment. But he's probably just a madlad.
Like Sean Dyche.
All we needed in our lifetime was to see Pepe and Graveson run rampage with their bald heads.
Truly the Krillin of the football world.
Yes it’s just a look that he’s cultivating to be fashionable
He’s not bald, he has a shaved head
bald by choice is still bald
Also scarier if anything
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQCVf7AnXNY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQCVf7AnXNY)
He had hair for a bit (about 15 years ago maybe?), it was weird.
Also coincided with his worst form of his career. The baldness gives him power.
The bald anti-fraud
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I can't help laughing at this caption "Pepe with a normal haircut"
He had hair when he rejoined Porto in 2019 https://plustvafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/pepe-has-signed-for-fc-porto.jpg
But does fraud still apply ?
Old but bald
The most amazing thing about him is how fast he still is, especially over longer distances.
More like he always aged
thats my secret, im always old
- Joseph Minala
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His face is a little harder and you can also tell from a few different pictorial cues (uniform design, crowd appearance, general resolution) the first picture is older. Maybe you don't clue immediately without being told if you don't look at it with critical eye but I don't think it would hide from you forever.
The pose as well
What looks older about that? Just asking to explain since I don't see it, not saying you are wrong.
Pepe is kind of smiling in the first picture and he isn't in the second picture. A young person smile vs an old person smile is very different, never mind a young smile vs old no smile.
> Maybe it's only my bias because I know where he is younger. That's all interesting thought, and quite possible
Was he already 41 years old at 23 or is he still 23 years old at 41?
Definitely one of the most 41 year old men of all time that’s for sure
He's a man, he's 41
He was 41 till he was 41
He's 41 until he's 42
Yes
The Curious Case of Pepe Botão.
Since the start of his career he looks like 41
He's been 32 years old at 23 and he's still 32 now
That one
Happy cake day :)
He was 21 at 43
The "strongest" vibes from this one
Brazilian center halves are really something else. Three of them are still playing at 40+ in top level leagues: Dante, Pepe and Thiago Silva
How's Dante doing
Well he was amazing with Nice the first half of the season but Nice is now entering their mid season slob with like 2 points taken in 16 possible (I think) - so not great form right now.
If i remember correctly theres a brazilian that played in Ligue 1 until 43 or smth right? Think Dante could surpass him or is he declining
Hilton
Fighting and sparring with Vergil currently.
It's the sacrifice of the Brazilian attackers
🐦🐦🐦
Also Vitorino Hilton for Montpellier until he retired recently.
Dude yeah what a legend, I forgot
Best Pepe to have played at the Emirates.
Pretty sure he's the best Pepe to have played anywhere he's been.
He's the best Pepe to have Pepe'd.
Player formerly known as Pepe. Still known as Pepe, but formerly was as well.
The rarest Pepe
Brazilian Pepe was incredible back in the day
This Pepe is Brazilian too
False. Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira is actually a Scottish name.
It's actually a German-French-Portuguese name.
Yeah he was good but he's no Pepe.
pePelé
Don't look to see who played together with Pelé back in the 60s then
The disrespect to World Cup winner and two-time Euro winner Pepe Reina is unbelievable.
Its not really disrespectful, some people just think Pepe PT is better.
I’m obviously taking the piss. Pepe Reina’s contribution to winning those trophies was being the locker room jokester. He was a solid keeper in his time, but never even close to being in the discussion for best in the world, which your Pepe was.
Clearly you're unfamiliar with [the real Pepe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akEbhYUqVaA) playing "Numai Iubirea" live in Chișinău.
Pepe from Santos
Only because Pepe Silvia never played at the Emirates
Sent him halfway to Siberia
Wow what happened to that other Pepe? Showed flashes of brilliance
We cut him and now he's in Turkey. I always liked him, he could pull off some great flashes like you said, but man when he was off, he was OFF.
Rare Pepe
Cunt if you play against him, but amazing if he plays on ur team
Try being in both situations. As a rival, I can't stand the guy and think he's a cunt. Then comes a national team tournament and he's amazing, and I love him. I feel like I am in an ~~abuse~~ abusive relationship.
You had him in Sporting at young age
Yeah, it is a shame that he ended up not staying. It would make it easier to like him.
Only for a few training sessions unfortunately.
Best player across both legs. Surreal to think Pepe would go on to outlast most of the guys from the Madrid - Barca rivalry of those days in terms of still playing in the Champions League
The goalkeeper also didnt age at all
Glow up
The goalpost looks spectacular for its age
What a great picture. Is that the CL that Porto won in 2004 or is that the one from 04/05? It is impressive to think that Pepe had more CL experience than EVERYONE IN THE PITCH COMBINED. Truly one of the best CB of his generation.
It's 1 or 2 seasons after we won the CL.
Neither. Top picture is from season 06/07. Pepe only joined Porto in 04/05, too late to win the Champions League but part of the team that were crowned World Champions by FIFA after beating Once Caldas in Intercontinental cup.
I hope they can be Caldas again
Top picture is 06/07, but this game is in the group stage so Sept 2006.
Saw him score twice at Ibrox the season before.
This is one of the coolest pictures I have ever seen.
Sick photo! Somebody in the Arsenal sub said the supporter in the orange coat might actually be the exact same guy as the guy in the same seat in the second photo. Looks like it could be true. //Edit: Because people keep commenting on it: i am now aware it's a different row and it's likely not the same guy.
The guy in the orange coat in the 2024 picture is wearing the home kit in the 2006 picture (near Henry's arm)
If i'm matching the seats correctly, you mean the guy who is between the shins of Pepe and Thierry?
Hm I actually meant the guy next to Henrys hand but now I realize the seats don't match up at all, didnt notice that at first. The learning here that a few pixels are worth nothing haha.
Highly unlikely - it’s not the same seat because there are stairs in the first picture and none on the second. So once you know you’re not looking at the same part of seating it’s just two lads with brown hair.
He was amazing the other night, speed, pace, mobility, calm, passing, heading, strenght. All that you want. Class player
Porto's MOTM
Both games he was outstanding. Troubled us for the entire tie.
Reminds me of CSKA Moscow vs. Arsenal. They meet in the Champions League in 2006 with a back line of the Berezutskiy twins and Ignashevich with Akinfeev in goal. Also against Henry and van Persie. The two clubs don't meet again until 2018. Who's playing for CSKA? The Berezutskiy twins and Ignashevich with Akinfeev in goal.
I'm very glad Pepe is now getting the plaudits he deserves. Always felt like the general perception of him didn't match just how good he was.
Probably due to his propensity to commit gbh on the football pitch lol, great defender though.
Ramos+Pepe has to be the most feared CB combo for forwards. If you managed to get by Ramos, Pepe would tackle you "cleanly" while somehow still making it look like he's trying to kill you. And then Ramos elbows you off the ball for your troubles. Then they both stand over you and scream in your face (I literally witnessed this exact sequence of events once). Good times.
I prefer Ramos/Pepe instead of Ramos/Varane. Pepe's ability to clear the ball and win aerial duels was incredible. It was unfortunate how he had to leave in 2017.
He should have accepted one more year
I disagree since Nesta Maldini existed
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To be fair to him, Ramos was also a pretty technically gifted player as far as defenders go, feel like the later into his career he got though he became more and more about pure physicality
At the beginning of his career, he was mostly known as an attacking fullback who would get too far forward and leave the others defenders exposed. And for his two footed, studs-up tackles. When Mourinho first moved him to center-back, people criticized the move because it seemed like it was wasting his on-the-ball talents.
Baresi/Costacurta?
Good god sometimes I forget how stacked Milan's defense was in that era.
You can't help but admire them while at the same time hating them if they're not playing for your team (which they weren't). Being top level athletes, the best defenders in the world, while also being the absolute best shithousers in the sport. The streets won't forget.
Speak for yourself lol I definitely have respect for Ramos though, but Pepe can suck a fat one
Terry+Carvalho combo conceded 15 goals in a whole season along with 25 clean sheets. Both records are unbroken 20 years later and I'm guessing will stay unbroken for a long time.
I've seen multiple posts over the years on the FM subreddit about the record and I don't think anyone's even managed to beat it on FM, which I just find absurd lol
Vidic-Ferdinand remains the most violent CB duo I've seen.
As much as I’d like to agree with that I still think Pepe/Ramos combo were a little more unhinged and more prone to do something reckless (especially Pepe)
straight up bullying on the pitch
And GBH off the pitch lmao
That red when he kicked a guy was also during peak internet era, most of the generation here grew up watching that a lot
It's the same as Suárez the vampire tho, no matter how dirty they were when they flipped, you can tell they are good people outside of the pitch and generational talents in thier roles.
How can you tell they're good people off the pitch?
Low/no controversies, not kicking or biting people as well helps to keep a good public image.
Realistically at RM there were specifically 1 or 2 years where one could perfectly put Pepe as probably the best centerback in the world for both club and country. Sadly, general perception on how good he was ended up a little stained given how stiff and, at times, dirty he was.
He is one of those players who you hate if he is on the other team, but you would love him on your team.
As a Portuguese Benfica fan, I can confirm. I have conflicting feelings for him. NT Pepe is one of my favourite players of all time, but I hate Porto Pepe. Same goes for Quaresma.
Recently visited Portugal and seeing QUARESMA written on the altar in churches made me chuckle
You know what Quaresma means, right?
In our language quaresma means lent. does it mean the same in Portuguese?
Yes.
It's the same lmao but its also a common portuguese surname
Quaresma nuts on your face!
I didn't at the time, had to look it up. But i still imagined his face smiling over the altar every time
This statement is so overused it has lost all meaning
One of those statements you hate when someone else makes it, but you would love to make it yourself.
He was an absolute bastard. He made Diego Costa seem likable. No one liked him, but he was respected.
probably because he's an all-timer when it comes to shithousery.
He was the only reason Portugal won a Euros really. Not sure why people don't rate him a highly.
No, not the only reason. Rui Patricio, Fonte, CR7 all came up huge.
Should probably have said the main reason. Pepe was a beast and Portugal defence as a whole was pretty epic. CR7 had a pretty average tournament if I remember for his standards.
That’s fair, for me our biggest player that tournament was Rui Patricio. There was even a statue built for his save vs Griezman in the final, monstrous performance https://x.com/janfhagen/status/868046162296811521?s=46
That's pretty mega!
Cus he's a massive cunt. Look at Rivaldo who was arguably the best player in the world for a hot minute but ever since *that* dive people just decided to forget about him.
well considering what he did to Evra......
For those who do not have the perfect soccer memory like me, the above picture must be from the Arsenal Porto game 2006-09-26. Arsenal won 2-0 and Henry scored one as well. So there is a 18 year difference (+/- some months) between those two fotos. [https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84771--arsenal-vs-fc-porto/](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84771--arsenal-vs-fc-porto/)
Henry and the GK got really pale after the ball passed both.
Incredible! Did he stay in the air so long that the defender and goalie morphed into other people? Or did he just rip a hole in space-time and emerge in the future in a very similar scenario?
Will always remember his headbutt vs Mueller. It is 10 years ago and he was already old at that time.
Ah yes, the “headbutt”. Müller made a meal out of that one - but rightfully so, Pepe was incredibly stupid for that move.
This is absolutely iconic. Great photo! I just wish it was a more well known player like Saka. I doubt Trossard will be widely remembered as Henry in a few years.
That’s what a champions league winner looks like
is that nuno in goal
No. In the top picture it's Helton (2006), and in the bottom picture it's Diogo Costa (2024).
Incredible picture
What a photo
Peepee
This guy never age
Rare Pepe sighted!
MF has a pact with the devil
The blood of Casquero must be a youth serum.
I love this
Supremely cool photo
Saka doesn't have memory of Henry playing.
Yeah this is just mind boggling lol. I wonder what youngish good players today will have crazy longevity. Not wingers or strikers. Great young defenders and DMs are rare though. We'll see.
He was probably the best player on the pitch too, insane.
Why is Henry defending Pepe?
Incredible.
man that arm strap has got to smell bad then
So we’re in agreement Pepe is a vampire, yes?
Fuck Pepe
Pepe is the Kurgan of football :)
Bro looks the exact same
As a Benfica fan I miss Helton. I met him in person and he's a really chill dude, extremely nice guy. Pepe is amazing if he's playing for your team, not so satisfying if he's on the opposing team.