Pepê’s family played an essential role in his journey from a modest childhood in Foz do Iguaçu to professional football with Grêmio, FC Porto and the Brazil national team. The Brazilian winger is married to doctor Valentina Marcussi, has a son named Gabriel and announced in 2026 that the couple were expecting their second child. Here is everything publicly known about Pepê’s wife, children, parents and siblings.
Who Is Pepê?
Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa, better known as Pepê, was born on February 24, 1997, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil. His childhood nickname eventually became the name used throughout his professional football career.
Pepê began his career with Foz do Iguaçu Futebol Clube and also spent time with Coritiba before joining Grêmio in 2016. After establishing himself in Porto Alegre, he transferred to FC Porto in 2021.
The versatile Brazilian can play as a winger, attacking midfielder or right-back. His performances in Portugal also earned him a senior Brazil debut in November 2023.
Who Are Pepê’s Parents?
Pepê’s parents are Radanés Donizete Cossa and Zunilda Torres Aquino Cossa. The footballer was raised in a working-class family in Foz do Iguaçu, close to Brazil’s borders with Paraguay and Argentina.
Before their son became a professional footballer, Radanés worked as a general-services assistant, while Zunilda worked as a domestic employee. Their sacrifices and encouragement helped Pepê continue playing despite being rejected by several clubs during his youth career.
Who Is Pepê’s Father, Radanés Donizete Cossa?
Pepê’s father is Radanés Donizete Cossa. Reports about the player’s childhood describe Radanés as a general-services assistant who worked to support his family while Pepê pursued opportunities in football.
Radanés has Italian ancestry, which allowed Pepê to obtain Italian citizenship. Despite being eligible to represent Italy internationally, the winger ultimately fulfilled his ambition of playing for Brazil.
Who Is Pepê’s Mother, Zunilda Aquino Cossa?
Pepê’s mother is Zunilda Torres Aquino Cossa. She was born in Paraguay and later built her life in Foz do Iguaçu, where she worked as a domestic employee while raising her family.
Through his mother, Pepê was also eligible to represent Paraguay. The Paraguayan Football Association reportedly monitored his situation before he received his first senior call-up from Brazil.
Pepê has described his mother as an emotional person. During his time with Grêmio, he once temporarily deactivated his social-media account because he did not want her to see abusive comments directed at him after a difficult match.
Does Pepê Have Siblings?
Reliable public sources have not provided clear information about whether Pepê has any brothers or sisters. Most interviews and profiles concentrate on his parents, wife and football career.
Claims about possible siblings should therefore be treated cautiously unless confirmed by Pepê, his family or a reputable publication.
Who Is Pepê’s Wife?
Pepê’s wife is Valentina Marcussi, a Brazilian doctor. Valentina has supported the footballer during his career in Portugal and lives with him in the Porto area.
Although Valentina has developed a public presence through social media, she primarily identifies herself through her medical profession and family life. She has appeared with Pepê at football-related celebrations and in announcements concerning their children.
Are Pepê and Valentina Marcussi Married?
Portuguese media and the couple’s public profiles describe Valentina Marcussi as Pepê’s wife. However, details about their wedding date and ceremony have not been extensively reported by authoritative sources.
How Many Children Does Pepê Have?
Pepê and Valentina Marcussi have one confirmed son, Gabriel, and announced in March 2026 that they were expecting their second child.
As of the latest reliable public reports, the couple had not announced the second child’s birth, name or gender. Pepê was therefore a father of one with another baby expected.
Who Is Pepê’s Son, Gabriel?
Pepê’s first child is a son named Gabriel. He was born in Porto on April 4, 2024, after the couple announced the pregnancy in October 2023.
The footballer has occasionally shared family moments involving Gabriel. FC Porto also published a photograph of Pepê entering the pitch with his son before a match at the Estádio do Dragão.
Because Gabriel is a minor, details about his daily routine, location and future education should remain private.
Pepê and Valentina’s Second Child
In March 2026, Pepê announced that Valentina was pregnant with their second child. The couple shared the news in a family video that also included Gabriel.
The announcement was celebrated by Pepê’s FC Porto teammates. No reputable report has yet provided confirmed information about the baby’s name, gender or birth date.
Pepê’s Brazilian, Paraguayan and Italian Family Heritage
Pepê’s family background connects him to three countries. He was born and raised in Brazil, his mother is Paraguayan and his father has Italian ancestry.
These family connections made Pepê eligible to represent Brazil, Paraguay or Italy at international level. He played for Brazil’s under-23 team before receiving his first senior call-up in November 2023.
After making his senior debut against Colombia, Pepê thanked his family, teammates, coaches and friends for helping him fulfil his lifelong ambition of representing Brazil.
How Pepê’s Parents Supported His Football Career
Pepê’s journey to professional football included several disappointments. Different clubs evaluated him during his youth, but not every trial resulted in an opportunity. His parents continued supporting him as he worked to establish himself with his hometown club.
The family’s situation changed after Pepê joined Grêmio and developed into one of the club’s most valuable attacking players. His eventual transfer to FC Porto represented an important professional achievement for both the player and the parents who had supported him during more difficult years.
Pepê Should Not Be Confused with Pepe the Defender
Pepê is Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa, the Brazilian winger born in 1997. He should not be confused with former FC Porto and Real Madrid defender Pepe, whose full name is Képler Laveran de Lima Ferreira.
The two players were FC Porto teammates, but they are not related. The accent in Pepê’s nickname is also commonly used to distinguish the Brazilian winger from the Portuguese international defender.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepê’s Family
Who are Pepê’s parents?
Pepê’s parents are Radanés Donizete Cossa and Zunilda Torres Aquino Cossa.
Who is Pepê’s father?
His father is Radanés Donizete Cossa, a former general-services assistant with Italian family ancestry.
Who is Pepê’s mother?
His mother is Zunilda Torres Aquino Cossa, a Paraguayan-born former domestic employee who raised her family in Foz do Iguaçu.
Does Pepê have siblings?
No reliable public source has confirmed whether Pepê has any brothers or sisters.
Who is Pepê’s wife?
Pepê’s wife is Valentina Marcussi, a Brazilian doctor.
Does Pepê have children?
Pepê has a son named Gabriel, born in April 2024. In March 2026, he and Valentina announced that they were expecting their second child.
Is Pepê Paraguayan?
Pepê was born in Brazil, but his mother was born in Paraguay. This family connection made him eligible for Paraguayan citizenship and its national team.
Is Pepê related to former Real Madrid defender Pepe?
No. Pepê and Pepe were teammates at FC Porto, but they are not related.
Helena Lena Jessica Da Laila is a football writer covering Spanish women’s football, with a focus on Liga F, tactical trends, and emerging talents shaping the women’s game in Spain.
