Soccer-Portugal's Pepe to become oldest player in European Championship history

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Portugal v Croatia - Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor, Oeiras, Portugal - June 8, 2024 Portugal's Pepe and teammates during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

LEIPZIG, Germany (Reuters) - Portugal centre back Pepe is set to become the oldest player in European Championship history aged 41 years and 113 days after he was named in the side for their Euro 2024 Group F opener against Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Pepe will beat the previous record held by former Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days old when he played in their Euro 2016 last-16 defeat by Belgium.