Ricardo Pepi

Ricardo Daniel Pepi was born on January 9, 2003, in El Paso, Texas, USA. From a young age, Pepi was involved in soccer, eventually joining an FC Dallas youth program. His background is notable as he holds a dual-nationality for both the United States and Mexico. Growing up in a border town, Pepi's early life and beginnings in soccer were influenced by both cultures.

In December 2018, Ricardo Pepi signed his first professional contract with North Texas SC, a USL League One affiliate of FC Dallas. This was a significant step for Pepi, as he began to showcase his talent on a larger stage. Pepi quickly became a key player for North Texas SC, leading the league in scoring and helping the team secure the regular-season title.

Ricardo Pepi made his professional debut for North Texas SC on March 30, 2019, in the team's inaugural match against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Pepi made an immediate impression by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory. His outstanding performance launched him into the spotlight as a promising young talent.

Ricardo Pepi made his Major League Soccer debut with FC Dallas on June 22, 2019, in a match against Toronto FC. At just 16, he came on as a substitute and began gaining valuable experience in the MLS, showcasing his potential for growth at the highest level of American soccer.

On July 24, 2021, Ricardo Pepi scored his first career hat-trick in MLS during a match where FC Dallas defeated LA Galaxy 4-0 at Toyota Stadium. This performance highlighted Pepi's growing prowess in front of goal, and he became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat-trick, marking him as a key emerging talent in American soccer.

Ricardo Pepi made his debut for the US Men's National Team on September 8, 2021, in a World Cup qualifying match against Honduras. Pepi made a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal and providing two assists, helping the US secure a 4-1 victory. His performance earned him praise and established him as a new key player for the national team.

On January 3, 2022, Ricardo Pepi was transferred to FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga for a reported fee of $20 million, a club record. This move made him the most expensive American export from MLS to date. Despite high expectations, Pepi initially faced challenges adapting to the Bundesliga, highlighting the difficulty of transitioning to a top European league.

Ricardo Pepi made his debut in the UEFA Nations League on June 11, 2022, representing the United States against Granada. Although Pepi did not score, his involvement was noted for his versatility and ability to integrate into the team during high-stakes matches. His participation in international tournaments marked his progression on the international stage.

On September 1, 2022, Ricardo Pepi joined FC Groningen on loan from FC Augsburg. The loan move to the Eredivisie was aimed at giving Pepi more consistent playing time and the opportunity to develop in a competitive European environment. His performances in the Netherlands were closely followed, as analysts and fans alike sought to gauge his development.

Ricardo Pepi transferred to PSV Eindhoven on June 1, 2023. Having shown improvement and heightened performance during his loan to FC Groningen, Pepi's move to PSV Eindhoven signified a step up to one of the top clubs in the Netherlands. The transfer was seen as a positive move for Pepi's career, promising greater exposure and development opportunities in European football.