Ricardo Pepi Biography – FC Augsburg Center Forward

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Ricardo Pepi bio

Ricardo Pepi signed for Bundesliga's FC Augsburg making him the most expensive MLS player to sign for a European club. Image Source: Ricardo Pepi's Instagram.

Ricardo Pepi is a professional soccer player who currently plays for Bundesliga side FC Augsburg and the United States Men’s National Soccer Team. Pepi was called up to the national team for the first time in 2021 and has been the primary choice in the forward position ever since. The center forward has also been a part of the Augsburg team that survived relegation from the Bundesliga in 2021-22.

With the 2022 World Cup approaching fast, Ricardo has been prepping up for his first appearance on the big stage. After climbing the ranks from the USA to Europe, fans are curious to know more about his personal information. So, let’s talk more about Ricardo Pepi’s net worth, career, and family in this article.

Mexican Heritage

On January 9, 2003, Ricardo Daniel Pepi was born to Mexican parents, Daniel Pepi and Annette Pepi. His dad and mom shifted from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso in Texas, and his upbringing was influenced mainly by Mexican culture. Thus, he grew up speaking Spanish and became obsessed with Mexican food and soccer.

Ricardo Pepi’s father was his coach when he was young. The athlete started playing soccer when he was just four and was coached by his dad until he was 10. Then, Pepi joined FC Dallas and began training with FC Dallas Academy until 13. He shined when he was with FC Dallas’ affiliate team in El Paso.

Also, Ricardo is the eldest among his two siblings, brother Diego Pepi and sister Sophia Pepi.

Ricardo Pepi's parents
Ricardo Pepi was coached by his father when he was young. Image Source: Ricardo Pepi Instagram.

Daniel was a strict father when it came to soccer as he used to pressure him to do better and work hard. It started with regular training at the Ysleta Mission Catholic Church. Then Ricardo’s dad started throwing his jersey in the dustbin every time he played badly. Thus, that helped him a lot as he started taking the game seriously. Daniel mentions it was a way to motivate his son to do better.

Cristian Roldan is another US player with supportive parents.

Ricardo Pepi Net Worth And Career

Ricardo started playing professional soccer when he was 16 years old and has gone on to play over 60 matches in his career. Moreover, he has been a part of the Bundesliga team that survived the relegation scare in the 2021-22 season. With that, he must have amassed a considerable sum. Hence, Ricardo Pepi’s net worth must be massive.

FC Dallas signed the American athlete as a homegrown player as he became the fourth-youngest academy player of the club at 16 years and 163 days. He made his Major League Soccer debut on June 22, 2019, and made nine appearances in his first season. Likewise, he scored his first professional goal for the team, scoring an equalizer in the 96th minute the following year.

Here are some of Ricardo Pepi’s stats:

Competitions Appearances Goals Assists
Major League Soccer 55 15 3
Bundesliga 11
USL 1 13 9 1
MLS Cup Playoffs 2 1
US Open Cup 2 1

Table Source: Transfermarkt

Since he was born in the US, the forward was eligible to play for both the US and Mexico. He also trained with the U-17 teams of both nations and was named in the squad for the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. He was also featured in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. However, Pepi was called up to the senior team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification and scored the winning goal against Honduras on his debut.

The sportsman was transferred to Augsburg on January 3, 2022, for a $20 million-plus add-ons. That deal made him the most expensive American MLS player to sign for a European club. He made his Bundesliga debut on January 8.

Here are some of Ricardo Pepi’s earnings:

Year Total earnings
2019 $113,000
2020 $102,000
2021 $108,000

Table Source: Spotrac

According to Salary Sport, Pepi earned $8,423 (£6,700) per week, totaling $438,011 (£348,400), in FC Dallas until 2022. Furthermore, he has signed a four and a half years contract with the German club until the 2026-27 season. With such a big deal, one can assume that Ricardo Pepi’s net worth must be immense.

Also Read: More About US Soccer Player Tim Weah 

Is Ricardo Pepi Single?

Well, the soccer player has not been seen with anyone and looks pretty private about his love life. Likewise, his Instagram profile does not hint at Ricardo Pepi’s girlfriend. Instead, he mostly shares photos of his games.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ricardo Pepi (@pepi_ricardo)

Moreover, there have not been any rumors about Ricardo Pepi’s partner. So could it be that he is single? The truth about his relationship can only be known once he decides to share the information.

Nevertheless, the 6′ 1″ tall player seems to be living a wonderful life alongside having a prosperous playing career. Let’s hope he can keep winning and make his family proud.

Trivia And Facts

  • Pepi got his diploma from Texas Virtual Academy.
  • He has 77.6K on Instagram, and 20.5K on Twitter.
  • He wears number 18 at Augsburg.