Pepe Talks Ronaldo’s Endless Career and Mourinho’s Portugal Dream at 2026 Summit

As the football world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, one of the game’s most decorated defenders remains a compelling voice away from the pitch. At the 2026 Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, former Real Madrid and Porto icon Pepe took center stage, offering a rare glimpse into his post-retirement life, his unwavering bond with Cristiano Ronaldo, and his bold prediction for José Mourinho’s next managerial chapter.

The 43-year-old, who called time on his illustrious career in 2025, attended the event as a keynote speaker. Now enjoying family life, Pepe was relaxed and reflective about stepping away from the sport that brought him 34 major trophies, including three Champions League titles, the 2016 European Championship, and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. “I’m fine, I’m enjoying this post-career moment with my family, and family always helps,” he told the audience. “It’s been a very good time to be with my children and have time to enjoy this phase of life.”

Even in retirement, Pepe’s fierce competitive edge surfaces when discussing Portugal’s recent successes. He revealed he was in the stands to watch his compatriots lift the 2025 Nations League trophy, a moment that stirred pride without jealousy. “I was there to support the team, and seeing them win again reminded me how special this group is,” he said. “But I have absolutely no regrets about retiring. It was the right time. You can’t play forever, but you can stay connected to the game in different ways.”

The conversation inevitably turned to Cristiano Ronaldo, the man with whom Pepe shared more minutes than any other teammate—348 matches and over 28,000 minutes of on-pitch partnership. Now 41, Ronaldo continues to defy logic, still leading the line for both club and country with the same hunger that defined his peak years. Pepe, who knows Ronaldo perhaps better than any other player, spoke with admiration and a touch of realism.

“I hope he can extend his career for a long time,” Pepe said. “He’s the one who has to feel it, he’s the one who has to know when to stop. For us fans, his friends, it will be very difficult to turn on the television and not see his name there, not see his celebration anymore, which the whole stadium does. But I hope that when he makes that decision, he makes it well, he makes it consciously, and surely he will be prepared for that decision.”

Those words carry weight, because Pepe himself experienced the delicate moment of walking away. His advice to Ronaldo was less about setting a timeline and more about trusting inner instinct—something the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has always done on his own terms. The bond between the two extends beyond football; they have shared dressing rooms at Real Madrid and the national team, celebrated historic triumphs, and grown into fathers and mentors within the Portuguese football family.

The summit also provided Pepe with a platform to discuss José Mourinho’s dramatic return to Portuguese football. In late 2025, the 62-year-old was appointed head coach of Benfica, the club where he began his senior coaching journey over two decades ago. But Pepe sees an even grander destiny. Speaking directly about the Special One, the ex-defender declared his hope that Mourinho will one day become Portugal’s national team manager.

“He’s back where he belongs, and I think this chapter at Benfica will reignite his passion,” Pepe commented. “But I also believe—and I know him well—that the ultimate ambition is to lead Portugal. I hope that happens one day. He has the profile, the mentality, and the tactical genius to take the national team to incredible heights.”

Pepe’s relationship with Mourinho goes back to their time at Real Madrid, where they won La Liga and the Copa del Rey together. Despite Mourinho’s recent struggles at Tottenham, Roma, and Fenerbahce, Pepe remains convinced that the Portuguese tactician still possesses the magic. “When he is connected to his roots, when he feels the energy of Portuguese football, something changes in him. Benfica will get the best version of José, and then who knows? The national team has a very strong project under Roberto Martínez, but in the future, José would be perfect.”

Throughout the event, Pepe’s presence was a reminder of how experience shapes perspective. He may have hung up his boots, but his influence on Portuguese football endures. From celebrating Ronaldo’s seemingly endless journey to championing Mourinho’s long-term vision, Pepe offered a mature, heartfelt take on the game’s biggest personalities. He is the rare figure who can bridge generations—respected by the old guard and admired by the new.

In a summit packed with top officials—UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, Portugal boss Roberto Martínez, and many more—it was Pepe’s raw honesty that left the deepest impression. He didn’t just talk about trophies; he talked about timing, friendship, and the emotional weight of letting go. For a player once branded a menace on the pitch, his words off it revealed a man at peace with his legacy and excited about what comes next for Portuguese football.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ronaldo will aim to add the last missing jewel to his crown, while Mourinho reshapes Benfica into continental contenders. Pepe, watching from the stands or speaking from a summit stage, will be cheering them on—still a mentality monster, just now with a family-first mindset and a microphone in hand.