Ricardo Pepi has been one of many hottest American prospects in recent times. The 19-year-old scored 15 objectives for FC Dallas final season in a breakout season. Pepi was signed by FC Augsburg in January 2022 for a reported $20m.
Ricardo Pepi joins FC Augsburg from FC Dallas of MLS.
The ahead has signed a contract to June 2026 with an possibility for an extra yr. pic.twitter.com/iwcBNCDAYt
— FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) January 3, 2022
That made the costliest participant from the MLS to hitch the Bundesliga. Sports activities Bwin had been one of many earliest to announce his switch from MLS to the Bundesliga. Moreover, this switch additionally smashed the membership’s file price. Although Pepi is but to get off the mark, the pleasure round his future is palpable. FootTheBall brings you 10 information that you just in all probability have no idea about him.
Mexican heritage
Ricardo Pepi was born in El Paso, Texas however has Mexican ancestry. His mother and father had been initially from Mexico and Pepi used to go to frequently. He crossed the border into Ciudad Juarez on quite a few events.
Pepi is a naturalised US citizen however they weren’t essentially the most prosperous household. Pepi’s household was part of the tight-knit group of city which was uncared for by the federal government. Subsequently, he may have chosen to play for both Mexico or the USA, in fact making his debut for the latter final yr.
Joined FC Dallas at 13
Pepi’s excellent performances within the native leagues quickly caught fireplace. He was at all times enjoying for groups of a better age group. His father, Daniel, made it a degree to supervise his profession development personally. Quickly, it was changing into clear that Pepi had an excellent eye for aim and scientific ending.
The membership he was enjoying for again then bought affiliated with FC Dallas, the MLS consultant for Texas. Pepi was provided the prospect to hitch the academy and he took it. It was such a aid for everybody within the Pepi household that the selection had been vindicated, that Ricardo was lastly off to the massive time.
Opposition from household
Nevertheless, issues weren’t all rosy for younger Ricardo Pepi. Annette, his mom, was heartbroken on the considered having to reside with out her son. The household made the lengthy journey to go to him twice a month. Pepi was shining together with his play however all was not properly. Pepi’s want for the entire household to maneuver to Dallas was flatly rejected by Daniel.
As a substitute, he requested his son, “I need to know in case you’re prepared to come back again?” Pepi was agency in his dedication to soccer and Dallas, even when that meant dwelling individually. Ultimately, his household did relocate to hitch him.
Allegiance made clear
The choice to play for the USA was not at all a straightforward one. Keep in mind that his entire household was deeply linked with Mexico and Mexican heritage. Pepi had lengthy discussions together with his mother and father together with his dad assuring him it was his personal selection.
This was met with incredulity by lots of his followers. A number of of his family and friends members again in Mexico had wandered what the thought course of was. Pepi, for his half, is extraordinarily at peace together with his selection and needs to provide it his all for his delivery nation.
Rooted in his roots
Ricardo Pepi is extraordinarily humble and right down to earth in relation to speaking about his childhood. Pepi has talked in regards to the tradition, the bond, how Spanish was pervasive and the way simple all the pieces was. He is aware of that life was occurring a way more relaxed tempo however the eventual aim was at all times to go away.
Pepi knew that younger kids need to go to the massive cities as a way to fulfill his desires. However, he visits his childhood place every time he will get the prospect, ensuring that connection will not be damaged.
The debut that nearly by no means was
Pepi’s debut for the nationwide staff was as a lot a shock for him because it was for his household. The US had drawn with El Salvador within the earlier match with the subsequent one being in opposition to Honduras. Daniel was not sure of whether or not his son can be enjoying in any respect however the tide would flip.
Pepi was handed his first begin, although the sport went poorly for the primary half, trailing 1-0. There have been ideas of whether or not the fallacious allegiance had been chosen. Nevertheless, Pepi silenced the doubts and the opponent emphatically by scoring as soon as and aiding twice.
In love together with his automobile
Ricardo Pepi made his first main buy final yr in October. A shiny crimson Camaro that outlined the custom of American muscle on wheels. It’s his first automobile, and one can see the thrill in his eyes. Pepi is cautious to not stain the tinted home windows and he talks excitedly of how individuals on the streets acknowledge him extra typically. Although he has turn into a star at such a younger age, the shyness is well detectable.
Large objectives, greater desires
Pepi has at all times been vocal of his love for scoring and making it huge. He has been enjoying since he was four-years-old and has had the insane perception of scoring each match. Daniel used to push him arduous to ensure that him to succeed and reap the benefits of his huge body from an early age.
It was this conviction that made him select soccer over household at tender age of 13. Pepi confirmed his conviction final yr too, demanding a transfer away from Dallas as a way to additional his profession. The Bundesliga was engaging given how properly it nurtures younger expertise and he took the prospect gratefully.
Had affords from round Europe
Pepi’s sensational 2021 noticed him get affords from an entire host of giants. Ajax and Bayern Munich had been the massive names whereas Wolfsburg had been additionally within the combine. Nevertheless, the winner was in fact Augsburg. Pepi had defined his determination beforehand that, “There’s a World Cup coming. I must be sure that I’m enjoying. I don’t need to go sit on a bench.” Given how a lot Augsburg had dedicated to get their man, Pepi was certain to be a starter within the staff.
Professional debut hat trick? Certain why not.
Ricardo Pepi is 🔥#WeAreOne | #NTXvCHT pic.twitter.com/0zj8zqciDj
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) March 31, 2019
No threat, no reward
If there’s one phrase that can be utilized to explain Pepi, it’s ‘threat.’ The 19-year-old knew that his huge profession swap won’t be simple and that has proved to be the case. Pepi has performed simply over 250 minutes, having not began in a match since January.
He is aware of that “there’s some strain” although he insists he’s enhancing daily. Moreover, it’s clear that Pepi needs to begin contributing as quickly as potential. He has been settling in properly, getting used to the tempo of the Bundesliga.
