After his ‘mea culpa’, Pepê enjoying his best ever start

In partnership with

Portal dos Dragões

·22. September 2025

After his ‘mea culpa’, Pepê enjoying his best ever start

The arrival of Francesco Farioli at Dragão has brought about a profound change in various areas, particularly in the mentality and commitment of the players to FC Porto. One particular case stands out from the previous season, during which he experienced turbulent phases and a clear lack of confidence, something he publicly admitted in recent interviews: it's Pepê, who seems to be experiencing a second stage at the blue and white club, recovering the football he had already displayed on national pitches and assuming a decisive role like never before.

The Brazilian international, aged 28, has made a real restart compared to what went wrong for him in 2024/2025 and stands out as a clearly transformed and revitalized player, both in innate qualities and in the numbers recorded in the four official matches he has already played for FC Porto this season. The winger has two goals - against Vitória de Guimarães at home, and in Barcelos, against Gil Vicente - and a high-quality assist in Vila do Conde for Gabri Veiga's goal, which sealed the Porto victory on a usually difficult ground. It's the best individual start since he joined the dragons in 2021. The start of the season also included an unusual injury: a trauma to the right eye that prevented him from facing Casa Pia and Sporting. He returned in good condition against Nacional and was again decisive against Rio Ave.

OneFootball Videos

We are facing a footballer who went through difficult times in the previous season, marked by some mental fatigue that prevented him from contributing as expected in one of the most disastrous seasons in sports for FC Porto.

Renewal after the 'mea culpa'

In the pre-season, Pepê did some introspection and acknowledged that he fell short of expectations in 2024/25. The possibility of leaving was mentioned several times, but the player took responsibility with a 'mea culpa' about his poor performance and the episode in which he criticized then-coach Vítor Bruno on social media. That moment served as a turning point for his new life at Dragão. André Villas-Boas understood that Pepê remained committed to the blue and white cause, willing to change the image left in the previous season, and rewarded him with a renewal until 2028, with an option for another year, to be automatically exercised if a certain number of games are fulfilled, or unilaterally if FC Porto so decides. The termination clause remained at 75 million euros.

Inserted in this contrast with the previous season, Pepê has made decisive interventions on the field that have earned him praise from the coach, Francesco Farioli, who recognizes in the winger an important piece on the pitch and in the Olival dressing room. "He is doing a great job. My evaluation of him was to analyze what happened before I arrived, on video, and I was left with the image of a player who had fantastic moments in the past. Last season he had problems, some ups and downs, but that's part of football. Since I arrived I have found a player with a great desire, with a smile on his face, who is able to bring smiles to his teammates and the coach," said the Italian.

From booed to applauded, Pepê has once again won the appreciation of Porto fans with captivating performances and protagonism. After the storm, the Brazilian found the tranquility he was looking for at Dragão. Francesco Farioli recognizes this return and the Porto fans celebrate his resurgence.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.