From the borders of Brazil to the heights of European football
In short: Born in the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu, Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa has navigated a rapid ascent. From a local youth academy to the prestigious Porto and the Brazil national team, his journey is a masterclass in professional progression and tactical versatility.
Known professionally as Pepê, the winger's foundations were laid in his hometown at Foz do Iguaçu Futebol Clube. After being promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2015 season, he demonstrated early promise during the 2016 Paranaense tournament, where he netted three goals, including a brace against Paraná. His talent soon caught the eye of Grêmio, a major Série A side, which signed him in April 2016.
His tenure at Grêmio was marked by both individual success and intense competition. During his five years with the club, he secured four consecutive Campeonato Gaúcho titles and recorded 3<0xC2>2 goals across 144 appearances. His time in Porto Alegre was not without drama; during a March 2020 match against rivals Internacional, he was one of eight players sent off during a significant on-pitch brawl.
In February 2021, a major transfer moved Pepê to the Portuguese giants FC Porto. The €15 million transfer fee was structured to benefit both his former clubs, with 70% going to Grêmio and the rest to Foz do Iguaçu. Since joining the Primeira Liga, he has added multiple Taça de Portugal trophies to his resume and achieved milestones on the grandest stages, including scoring in the Champions League against Barcelona in late 2023.
Pepê's heritage reflects the complex borders of his birthplace, possessing Italian roots from his father and Paraguayan lineage from his mother. This international background mirrors his career, which has seen him rise from Brazilian youth ranks to representing the Brazil senior national team, making his debut in November 2023 against Colombia.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Pepê (footballer, born 1997)
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