Evanilson’s first season at FC Porto in 2020 was rough. The Brazilian striker, signed from Fluminense, managed just four goals. Then Pepe showed up.
The veteran defender became his mentor—both on and off the pitch. “Off the field, he’s kind. On it? Different story,” Evanilson told The Guardian. Their partnership clicked. Over 101 games together, they won a Primeira Liga title and three Portuguese Cups.
Pepe’s influence went beyond tactics. “He welcomed me, understood my background,” Evanilson said. “Next season, we were champions.” The Brazilian thrived, netting 60 goals for Porto before a €37 million move to Bournemouth last summer—a club-record deal with €10 million in add-ons.
Pepe ©
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Now at Bournemouth, Evanilson credits Pepe for shaping his career. No stats, no trophies—just a defender who saw potential and pushed him. Simple as that.