Nicolas Pepe - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Returns to training wearing protective mask Pepe resumed training Monday while wearing a protective mask following recent eye surgery, according to A Punt Esports.

Impact Pepe has taken an encouraging step toward returning to competitive action after recovering from an eye surgery that forced him to miss Villarreal's recent fixtures. The Ivorian winger was spotted training Monday with a protective mask, suggesting he has made sufficient progress to resume on-field activities despite still requiring additional protection. It remains unclear whether he will be cleared to feature in Tuesday's Copa del Rey clash against Manacor. Pepe has recorded two goals, 14 shots and 17 crosses across six La Liga appearances this season, including five starts, establishing himself as an important attacking option. His potential return would provide Villarreal with additional depth on the right flank. His availability for competitive action will depend on medical clearance and how he responds to training while wearing the protective mask.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Yet to resume team training Pepe (eye) will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Liverpool after remaining absent from Monday's team training session as he continues recovering from eye surgery, acco...

Impact Pepe continues to recover from a scheduled eye procedure that has already forced him to miss Villarreal's recent fixtures, with the winger yet to resume training alongside his teammates. The Ivorian has recorded two goals, 14 shots and 17 crosses across six La Liga appearances this season, including five starts. Although his recovery was initially expected to be relatively short, no definitive return date has been established. Tajon Buchanan's return to full team training could provide Villarreal with an additional option on the right flank, while Ilias Akhomach could also benefit from Pepe's continued absence.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Recovery timeline remains uncertain Pepe (eye) is expected to avoid a lengthy absence following eye surgery, although his return will depend on his recovery, according to Villarreal coach Inigo Perez. "It's a complex...

Impact Pepe missed Saturday's clash against Real Madrid after undergoing eye surgery and remains unavailable ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Napoli. Although the initial medical outlook is encouraging, the winger has no confirmed return date, with his recovery depending on how he responds following the procedure. The Ivorian has recorded two goals, 14 shots and 17 crosses across six LaLiga appearances, including five starts, this season. Ilias Akhomach could continue to see increased playing time on the right flank during Pepe's absence.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Out due to eye surgery Pepe is out for the time being after undergoing eye surgery.

Impact The Ivorian winger will miss Saturday's game against Real Madrid, and with little detail provided, it remains to be seen when the defender can return to the lineup. With Pepe sidelined, expect Ilias Akhomach to see more playing time.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Falls out of starting XI Pepe has started each of the last two La Liga matches on the bench, making an 11-minute substitute appearance in the most recent fixture.

Impact Pepe has seen his role decrease after beginning the season in strong form, with Ilias Akhomach recently earning opportunities on the right wing and performing well. Pepe has recorded two goals, nine chances created, 17 crosses and eight corners across six La Liga appearances. Akhomach's emergence has increased the competition for starts, though Pepe should remain firmly in the attacking rotation.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Scores for Villarreal Pepe scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-2 loss versus Deportivo.

Impact Pepe scored one of Villarreal's two goals in Saturday's match while also adding four key passes and three successful dribbles. He now has two goals to start the season and has been heavily involved in the attack, recording six shots on target, nine key passes, and 13 successful dribbles through the opening four matches.

SEPTEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Nets equalizer in comeback Pepe scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Racing Santander.

Impact Pepe struck a trademark curling goal to help Villarreal fight back from two goals down, leveling the match at 2-2 moments after Pape Gueye's strike. He added another shot on top of the goal and shared corner responsibilities with Alberto Moleiro, taking two himself along with three crosses. Pepe enters the season in fine form after a productive campaign that saw him record eight goals and eight assists, and he continues to look like one of Villarreal's sharpest attacking weapons.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Assists in elimination Pepe assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Norway.

Impact Pepe provided the assist for the lone goal in Tuesday's loss, setting up Amad Diallo for what was, at the time, the equalizer. Pepe was a threat throughout the match and could have had a couple more assists with better finishing from those around him. He also had a role on set-pieces throughout the match. Pepe and co. will be disappointed not to make a deeper run as they crash out in the round of 32.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Nicolas Pépé had himself a day 🇨🇮

Nicolas Pépé had himself a day 🇨🇮

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Beautiful assist. Beautiful finish. 🇨🇮

Beautiful assist. Beautiful finish. 🇨🇮

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pépé scores his second goal, extending Ivory Coast’s lead vs Curaçao | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pépé scores his second goal, extending Ivory Coast’s lead vs Curaçao | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

IVORY COAST MAKES IT TWO 🇨🇮 It's Nicolas Pépé again for the brace!

IVORY COAST MAKES IT TWO 🇨🇮 It's Nicolas Pépé again for the brace!

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pépé nets goal, taking early lead vs Curaçao | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pépé nets goal, taking early lead vs Curaçao | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Emerse Faé was LOVING this early Ivory Coast goal 🇨🇮

Emerse Faé was LOVING this early Ivory Coast goal 🇨🇮

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

IVORY COAST FINDS THE OPENER 🇨🇮

IVORY COAST FINDS THE OPENER 🇨🇮

JUNE 25 • FOX SPORTS

Bags brace Pepe scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Curacao. In addition, he was given a yellow card in...

Impact Pepe would be the only goal scorer for the Ivory Coast on Thursday, as the winger found the back of the net in the seventh and 64th minutes for a brace. This gives him not just his first goals of the tournament but also his first goal contribution, starting in two of the three games thus far. As a veteran presence in the attack and holding decent form after the brace, it appears likely he could start in the round of 32.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Scores brace vs. Curacao Pepe scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 win over Curacao. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the...

Impact The Villarreal forward was the undisputed star of the game for Ivory Coast, scoring on both sides of halftime to hand the Elephants second place in Group E. Pepe, who has two goals in three appearances in the World Cup, could remain in the XI in the knockout stages.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Attempts two shots in win Pepe registered two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Ecuador.

Impact Pepe operated as one of the two forwards for Ivory Coast alongside Elye Wahi in a 4-4-2 tactic, but he couldn't find the target despite his mobility causing problems for Ecuador's elite defensive line. Pepe, who also has value as a corner-kick and set-piece taker, will have a tougher matchup next time around against Germany on Saturday.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Experience in attack Pepe has been named in Ivory Coast's World Cup squad and is expected to provide manager Fae with an experienced and direct attacking option throughout the competition.

Impact Pepe ended the club season at Villarreal in La Liga, continuing to demonstrate the pace, directness and goal-scoring ability that has made him one of the most recognizable forwards in African football over the past decade. The 31-year-old scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions and his ability to come on and make an immediate impact makes him a valuable option when a game needs to be opened up. His experience at the very highest levels of European football gives him the credentials to deliver in big moments and he is heading into the World Cup motivated to show he still has the quality to perform at the international level and play a meaningful role for the Elephants.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE

Two assists Sunday Pepe recorded two assists on two chances created in Sunday's 5-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Impact Pepe started the final game of the season after a bench role in the last contest, using the time well as he earned two assists in the dominant win. That said, he ends the season with seven goal contributions in his final six appearances of the season. He thend completes the season with eight goals and eight assists in 36 appearances (26 starts), one of his best seasons since leaving Lille in 2019.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Records another goal Pepe scored one goal and assisted twice from three shots and six chances created in Saturday's 5-1 win over Levante.

Impact Pepe's continues to be in top for for a goal in a third straight La Liga match. He's recorded five goals with two assists in just the last seven matches, creating 15 chances in that span, making him an elite threat in the attack for Villarreal.

MAY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Scores again Sunday Pepe scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 42nd minute.

Impact Pepe found the back of the net once again Sunday with a strike in the 29th minute assisted by Alfonso Pedraza. It marked his seventh goal of the campaign, four of which have come in the last six matches. He also won two tackles and intercepted one pass before he was subbed off in the 78th minute for Alfon.

APRIL 27 • ROTOWIRE

Scores opener Thursday Pepe scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Oviedo.

Impact Pepe opened up the scoring Thursday, converting a penalty in the 13th minute to take the 1-0 lead. It marked his sixth goal of the season, three of which have come in his last five appearances. It came on one of two shots and he also recorded one tackle and one interception in his full 90 minutes of action.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE