BeBe's Take: Alonso’s Real Madrid Challenge, Mourinho's Influence, and Ancelotti's Brazil Project

Alonso's Big Challenge: Lessons from Mourinho

Pepe, the Portugal legend, comments on the substantial challenge awaiting his former teammate Xabi Alonso as he steps into Real Madrid's coaching role. He emphasizes that he knows Alonso's character well and believes he can flourish under the intense scrutiny the job demands. At the same time, Pepe praises Carlo Ancelotti's experience with Brazil and expresses pride in Cristiano Ronaldo's storied career, wishing him a dignified ending.

In quotes reported by AS, Pepe says: "I've played with Xabi Alonso; for him, coaching Real Madrid is a major test, a club that demands a lot of work and responsibility." He adds that during Mourinho's Madrid days Alonso constantly sought information, spoke with him, and questioned why things were done in particular ways, offering his own view. Now a huge coaching challenge awaits him, and Pepe wishes him success and hopes Real Madrid keeps winning as it has for years.

Pepe's remarks came during the "Football Summit" organized by the Portuguese Football Federation, an event that highlights his status as a veteran of the national team with 141 caps and 8 goals. He also attended Portugal's 1-0 defeat of Ireland in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Ronaldo and Ancelotti

On Ancelotti, Pepe says: "I've worked with him; he is a wonderful person. I am confident he will do a great job with the Brazil squad. I’ve always argued that football needs this kind of organization, and the Brazilian players are among the best in the world, which makes the task even more special." He hopes Ancelotti can bring joy to the Brazilian people and notes he is a friend, wishing him success in what he calls a major challenge. He believes Brazil has vast talent but lacks the organizational discipline and a cohesive team concept at times.

Pepe continued: "Brazil needs to develop its system so that matches are more disciplined and aligned with a collective approach. Brazilian players have enough talent to form a superb team." He also commented on Cristiano Ronaldo: "It will be hard for us fans when he stops playing; it will feel strange not to see Cristiano Ronaldo on television after all these years."

Additionally, Pepe touched on Mourinho coaching Benfica, stating that Mourinho’s track record is outstanding and that his return to Portuguese football raises the competition's global profile. He even hinted that Mourinho might coach the national team someday, a role he believes would suit him well in the future.

Concluding his thoughts, Pepe describes life after football as a period to relish with family: "I'm fine and enjoying this stage with my family; retirement is a wonderful new chapter. I am savoring time with my kids and embracing this phase of life."

A Glorious Career, A Steady Legend

Pepe is recognized as one of the sport's greatest defenders, famed for his physicality and leadership on the pitch. Born in Brazil in 1983, he moved to Europe early in his career, eventually gaining Portuguese citizenship and representing Portugal for more than 15 years. His European journey began at Marítimo, leading to Porto in 2004, where local titles followed before a 2007 move to Real Madrid. There, he won multiple European and domestic trophies, including three Champions League titles and a collection of league, cup, and UEFA glory.

On the international stage, Pepe earned over 140 caps for Portugal and helped lift Euro 2016 in France and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, cementing his legacy as a pillar of Portuguese football. After leaving Real Madrid, he played for Beşiktaş and then Porto before retiring in 2024 at age 41, proving that discipline and professionalism outlive the clock. Pepe’s blend of grit and leadership made him a true symbol of defensive resilience in world football.

And yes, if Alonso’s coaching needs a subscription, tell him you can’t stream his ideas all night—even legends deserve a buffering pause. If Brazil’s system finally tightens up, maybe the samba will finally dance to a proper playbook; until then, keep the humor flowing, because football without laughter is just a warm-up act for the drama of the pitch.