Has Pepe Been One of the Most Aggressive Footballers in History?
Pepe's departure from the field has not left anyone indifferent, both for his great feats and for the joy he brought to fans. However, a question arises among some: is Pepe the most aggressive footballer in history?
Pepe’s quality has never been in doubt throughout his football career, but it has also been accompanied by major controversies, from infamous kicks to a stomp on Messi. To address the question of whether Pepe is the most aggressive footballer in history, it's necessary to mention other players known for their aggression:
Scott Brown
The Scottish legend is remembered not only for winning 23 trophies with Celtic but also for the numerous controversies he was involved in, from kicks to punches that sometimes did not warrant a card. His distinctive habit of constantly shaving his head to “intimidate his opponents” is also part of his legacy.
Vinnie Jones
Although his acting career might distract, one of his most famous quotes perfectly defines his aggression: “What I like the most is the sound of the opponent’s bones breaking when they get injured.” This quote ensures his place in football history.
Roy Keane
The Manchester United legend became a nightmare for the father of Norwegian star Erling Haaland. Keane is infamous for his tackle on Alf-Ing Haaland, where he drove his studs into the Norwegian’s knee, causing a serious injury.
Gennaro Gattuso
The Italian is known for his on-field character, which led him to play at the limit and intimidate his rivals. He is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in history.
Marco Materazzi
The historic Italian defender is remembered as “the terror of forwards” due to his character, but one of his most notorious moments was when he provoked Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final, leading the French legend to headbutt him.
With these rivals, Pepe faces competition for a place among the most aggressive players in history. However, his stomp on Messi and the kicks he delivered to Casquero place him in the infamous pantheon of the most aggressive footballers.
