Portuguese defender Pepe set a new record for veteran players in the final stages of the Euro Championship on Tuesday, playing against the Czech Republic in Germany 2024 at 41 years and 113 days old. This surpasses the previous record held by Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who played at 40 years and 86 days old in the 2016 edition.

Since his debut in this tournament on June 7, 2008, against Turkey, where he also scored a goal, Pepe has been a mainstay in Portugal's lineup. Under coach Roberto Martínez, he continues to be a key player, amassing 20 appearances and scoring two goals over a span of 16 years in the competition.

Following Pepe and Kiraly in the age rankings is Cristiano Ronaldo, who played at 39 years and 134 days in the same match in Leipzig. Other notable veteran players include Germany's Lothar Matthäus, who played until 39 years and 91 days old in 2000, and England's Peter Shilton, who competed until he was 38 years and 271 days old in 1988.