Judge Him Not: Nicolas Pepe Has a Great History Worth Sharing

It’s unfair to criticize Nicolas Pepe for not meeting expectations in his Arsenal career without understanding the journey that shaped him. His story began with his father, Celestin, a man whose own dreams of a professional football career fell short. Determined to see his son succeed where he could not, Celestin dedicated himself to Nicolas’ football journey, going as far as earning coaching certifications to better guide him. Despite working as a prison supervisor, he remained deeply involved in his son’s development, while Nicolas’ mother, a devoted homemaker, ensured he had a stable upbringing.

Nicolas’ passion for football sparked at the age of six during a conversation with his schoolteacher. When asked about his future aspirations, young Nicolas confidently declared his desire to become a professional footballer—a statement that left his teacher both surprised and intrigued. This biography delves into the life of the Ivorian football prodigy, tracing his path from that defining childhood moment to the challenges and triumphs that followed. Without further ado, let’s explore the full story of Nicolas Pepe’s inspiring journey.

Preamble:

We hope to spark your interest in Nicolas Pepe’s life story with this engaging biography. To set the stage, we’ve put together a collection of photos that capture his journey—from his early childhood to his remarkable rise in the world of football. It’s clear that Nicolas Pepe has come a long way in his incredible career long before his Arsenal ‘trauma’ almost left him close to quitting football.

Nicolas Pepe Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For his Biography starters, Nicolas Pepe was born on the 29th day of May 1995 to his mother, Mrs Pepe and father, Papa Celestin, in the Mantes-la-Jolie commune in north-central France. Below is a photo of Nicolas Pepe’s parents, a hardworking dad and his beautiful mum.

Nicolas Pepe comes from humble beginnings and a poor family background. Although he was born in France, his parents are Ivorian immigrants who migrated from the Ivory Coast to France in the mid-1990s to seek a better living.

Upon setting in Paris, Nicolas Pepe’s parents had to seek available jobs. His dad, Celestin, took up the job of a Prison warder while his mum remained a housekeeper.

They gave birth to Nico and raised him in the Mantes-la-Jolie commune. Later on, in his early life, Nicolas Pepe’s parents decided to migrate to Poitiers in western France after his dad took up a job in the area.

Education and Career Buildup:

Growing up in Northeast Paris, there were no toys or games. All Nicolas did was kick his soccer balls. He always loved the ball at his feet.

The major highlight of his education came when he was aged 6. This was the moment he had an encounter with his teacher at school who asked him… “Nicolas, what do you want to do in life?”

Nicolas replied, “I want to be a professional footballer when I grow up”. This decision surprised his teacher, who never knew Nico was strong-willed and determined to reach his goals. Thus, he decided to help the little boy.

The wake of France’s success at the 1998 World saw a huge turnout of African migrants participating in football. Nicolas wasn’t an exception.

However, he went on with his education and mixed it with football until his early teenage years. Nico was never a product of any academy for starters aged 5-9 years.

Nicolas Pepe Biography – Early Life in Career Football:

Pepe’s continued passion for soccer saw him pass trials and enrol with the local French club, Poitiers FC (now known as Stade Poitevin). The club’s senior team at that time played in the French fifth-tier league.

The Rough Start:

Upon joining the club, everyone was blown away by his ability on the ball. Despite his impressive performances at the youth level, football scouts from bigger academies became deterred by Nicolas Pepe’s rangy physique as well as concerns about his attitude.

There were thoughts that Nicolas was inconsistent or that he was lazy in certain situations. Due to this fact, no one approached or appreciated him.

In spite of the reservations expressed by football scouts and other recruiters, Pepe knew what he wanted. He later got his form back as he became a regular in the Poitiers first team.

Road to Fame Story:

Nicolas Pepe’s performance continued as he was instrumental in helping the Poitiers secure a 3-1 win, which spared them from relegation in the 2012-2013 season. Such success got him an offer with Angers, a football club located in Western France.

Love at First Sight:

This is the turning point of Nicolas Pepe’s success. It all happened on a very beautiful day. According to BleacherReports, it was the day Sporting Director Luis Campos spotted Nicolas while attending a match he played.

Although the former Real Madrid scout was there to look at an opposing team’s player, however, from the moment he saw Pepe, he had eyes for no other soccer player, not even his target whom he came to scout. This “love at first sight” was further strengthened when Pepe scored a brilliant 82nd-minute superb equalizer.

“I quickly fell in love with him,” Campos told the France Football website in an interview. After seeing enough of Pepe, he decided to tell Lille’s new owner to purchase the French-Ivorian star.

Nicolas Pepe Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

Pepe joined Lille on the 21st of June 2017 after a loan spell with Orléans. Just a few months after joining the club, he became part of a drastic rejuvenation process by the club’s management.

Nicolas Pepe’s lightning-fast speed on the counter-attack transformed Lille into one of Europe’s most lethal teams when breaking forward. Not only did he score stunning goals, but his exceptional vision and creativity made him a top playmaker.

His impressive stats reflect his ability to not only find the back of the net but also set up countless scoring opportunities for his teammates, establishing him as one of the most effective goal-creators in European football. This combination of pace, precision, and playmaking prowess made him a crucial asset, elevating Lille to new heights during his time at the club.

Without a doubt, it is the first time since Eden Hazard left for Chelsea in 2012 that Lille can lay claim to one of the most exciting players in world football. The rest, as they say, is now history.

Personal Life:

Understanding Nicolas Pepe’s personal life gives you a more complete view of who he truly is. He shares a sharp and quick-witted personality similar to that of Mikel Oyarzabal. Pepe is sociable, communicative and always ready to have fun with friends. However, there are times when he gets serious and thoughtful. These are moments when he does reflect on his future.

Finally, on his personal life, Pepe is someone with a constant feeling that there isn’t enough time for everything.

Nicolas Pepe Family Facts:

Nicolas Pepe’s success can largely be attributed to the unwavering support and sacrifices of his family, particularly his parents. His father, in particular, gave up everything to ensure his son had the best opportunities for a brighter future. Their dedication and commitment played a crucial role in shaping Pepe into the accomplished footballer he is today.

 

 

Did you know?… Nicolas’ dad, Celestine Pepe, was once a footballer who did not manage to become a professional. Papa Celestin decided to become a footballer in proxy through his son Nicolas.

This was the moment he decided to put his prison supervisor work aside so that his little boy could have a career. Celestin worked and took time to accompany his son for training. He went as far as getting a license as a soccer educator in order to stay close to his son.

Today, Nicolas Pepe’s parents are presently reaping the benefits of having him in the family. According to his social media account, he appears to have a good relationship with his mum.

Pepe didn’t grow up as an only child; he has siblings, including his brother Kwame Pepe, and other close family members who played significant roles in his life. His deep devotion to ensuring that his parents are comfortable and happy mirrors the same commitment he shows on the pitch, particularly during his time at Atletico Madrid. Family remains a cornerstone of his life, driving his ambition and dedication in both personal and professional realms.

Lifestyle:

According to TransferMarket, Nicolas Pepe’s current market is valued at 36 million Euros. This face surely makes him a millionaire footballer. This fact, however, doesn’t transcend into an extremely glamorous lifestyle. Nicolas Pepe is smart about managing his football money. This means not spending out of control or changing his lifestyle.

Untold Facts:

What Religion is Nicolas Pepe? Nicolas is a Muslim footballer, one who loves to showcase his religion in style. Like Inaki and Nico Williams, he loves visiting the Dubai desert in the United Arab Emirates.

Pepe has developed a strong on-pitch partnership with fellow attackers Jonathan Bamba and Jonathan Ikone, leading to the trio being affectionately nicknamed “Bip Bip.” This nickname draws inspiration from the French version of the Road Runner character from the Looney Tunes cartoon series, reflecting their speed and agility on the field. The chemistry between these three players has made them a formidable force in their attacking play.

Nico prefers operating from the wing instead of the unfamiliar role of a central striker given to him by coaches.

Fact Check:

Thanks for reading our Nicolas Pepe Biography. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you African Football Stories. Surely, the life history of Pape Matar Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye will excite you. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.