Pepe, the Portugal defender, made history by becoming the most senior goalscorer in the Champions League. He achieved this milestone with a late header that helped Porto defeat Royal Antwerp in Group H. Pepe, at the age of 40 years and 254 days, scored his team’s second goal with a powerful finish in the 91st minute, making him the first player over 40 to score in European football’s premier competition. This record had previously belonged to Francesco Totti, who scored at the age of 38 years and 59 days.

 

Additionally, Pepe also holds the distinction of being the eldest outfield player to participate in the history of the Champions League, a record he set when he played against the same opponents on October 25. It’s worth noting that the title of the oldest appearance maker in the Champions League goes to goalkeeper Marco Ballotta, who was 43 years and 252 days old when he played for Lazio against Real Madrid in December 2007.
Pepe (FC Porto) v Royal Antwerp, 7 November 2023 – 40 years and 254 days

Francesco Totti (Roma) v CSKA Moskva, 25 November 2014 – 38 years 59 days

Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) v Benfica, 14 September 2011 – 37 years 290 days

Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan) v Real Madrid, 3 November 2010 – 37 years 87 days

Javier Zanetti (Inter) v Tottenham Hotspur, 20 November 2010 – 37 years 72 days

Luka Modric (Real Madrid) v Celtic, 2 November 2022 – 37 years 54 days

Edin Dzeko (Inter) v AC Milan, 10 May 2023 – 37 years 54 days

Olivier Giroud (AC Milan) v Paris St-Germain, 07 November 2023 – 37 years 38 days