Home / Sports / Ricardo Pepi: Anime, El Paso Roots & World Cup Dreams
Ricardo Pepi: Anime, El Paso Roots & World Cup Dreams
18 Jun
Summary
- Pepi cherishes enchiladas and family cooking from his El Paso home.
- His nickname 'El Tren' signifies his fast-paced, goal-scoring ability.
- Pepi's signature celebration is inspired by the anime character Naruto.
U.S. Men's National Team forward Ricardo Pepi is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sharing intimate details about his life and career. Pepi, who currently plays in the Netherlands, expresses his fondness for the country's culture and friendly people, though he misses the vibrant culture and food of his hometown, El Paso.
Back home, his mother's enchiladas are a favorite meal, and he enjoys grilling with family. Pepi's identity is further revealed through his nickname, 'El Tren,' a testament to his goal-scoring momentum from his early playing days in Dallas. He also reveals that his signature goal celebration is a tribute to the anime character Naruto.
He cites his parents, particularly his father who coached him from a young age, as instrumental in his journey. Pepi's most memorable national team moment was his debut, where he scored and assisted. He also highlights winning the Eredivisie title for the third consecutive time with his Dutch club, feeling proud of his achievements.
