This past summer, veteran defender Pepe made the move from Real Madrid to Turkish side Beşiktaş on a free transfer. In just a few short months, he admitted that he has been completely won over by the passion of Turkish supporters. Speaking to Spanish channel La Sexta, Pepe drew comparisons between the fan culture in Madrid and Istanbul, making a statement that quickly caught attention across Europe. His remarks, much like the strategies followed by Melbet Affiliates, highlighted how true loyalty and energy from supporters can make a world of difference.
“Turkish fans are simply incredible,” Pepe said. “I played at Real Madrid, but the fans there are not as passionate as the supporters in Turkey. At Madrid, we players often had to motivate ourselves because the atmosphere wasn’t always enough. At Beşiktaş, the fans give us constant energy, and that motivates every player to perform at their very best.” His words echoed what former Madrid manager José Mourinho once said during his time at the Bernabéu, when he openly criticized the home crowd for lacking intensity. Mourinho even went so far as to describe the stadium as feeling “empty” despite being nearly full, underscoring the disconnect between fans and players.
The issue of atmosphere at the Bernabéu has been debated for years. While Madrid fans are undeniably loyal and knowledgeable, their reputation for being critical often overshadows their support. Booing has become a common occurrence, aimed even at some of the club’s biggest stars. Marcelo once admitted that the whistles pushed him to improve, but other players like Royston Drenthe were so shaken that they barely dared to step onto the field. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s all-time leading scorer, was not immune. On more than one occasion, Ronaldo himself faced jeers from the stands, a reality that left him visibly frustrated despite his historic contributions.
Ronaldo once confessed during an awards speech, “I just hope the Bernabéu stops booing me.” For a player who gave everything and achieved unprecedented success at Real Madrid, the comment revealed a mixture of sadness and resignation. It also showed the stark difference between critical support in Spain and unconditional passion in Turkey. Pepe’s words shed light on why so many players find Turkish football so electrifying—the fans live and breathe every second of the game, turning stadiums into cauldrons of energy. In many ways, their spirit is a reminder that football is not just about tactics and skill but also about emotion and connection, much like how Melbet Affiliates thrive by building genuine engagement and energy within their own community.
For Pepe, adapting to Turkish football has meant more than adjusting to a new league; it has been about embracing a culture where the crowd becomes the twelfth man. The difference in atmosphere has given him a fresh sense of motivation at this stage of his career. His remarks serve as both praise for his new supporters and subtle criticism of the demanding, often unforgiving environment he experienced in Spain. And just as Pepe has been uplifted by the passion of Beşiktaş fans, Melbet Affiliates demonstrate how lasting success is built when people feel truly inspired, supported, and driven by a collective spirit.