Signing Info:
Transferred from: Fulham, 01/06/2005, £Free Transfer
Previous Clubs:
Ajax, FC Juventus, Fulham
Debut:
09/08/2005 v Debreceni VSC (H) 3-0 (European Cup)
Farewell:
Retired from game, 28/05/2011
Passed Away:
Biography
Edwin van der Sar is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Known for his calm demeanor, shot-stopping ability, and excellent distribution, Van der Sar enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over two decades. His commanding presence between the posts made him a key figure for both club and country.
Van der Sar began his career at Ajax, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1995. After a stint at Juventus, he joined Fulham in the Premier League, before making a career-defining move to Manchester United in 2005.
At United, Van der Sar solidified his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was instrumental in the club's success, winning four Premier League titles and another Champions League title in 2008, where he famously saved the decisive penalty in the shootout against Chelsea. He retired in 2011 after a stellar career, having made over 950 appearances at club level.
Strengths:
Shot-Stopping: Van der Sar was known for his ability to make crucial saves, often in high-pressure situations.
Distribution: His composure and accuracy in distributing the ball, either by hand or foot, made him an integral part of the team's build-up play.
Leadership: As a senior figure in every team he played for, Van der Sar's leadership and experience were invaluable assets.
Consistency: His longevity and ability to perform at the highest level well into his late 30s were remarkable.
International Career:
Van der Sar earned 130 caps for the Netherlands, making him the most capped Dutch player at the time of his retirement. He represented his country in several FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, consistently performing as one of the top goalkeepers on the international stage.
Post-Retirement Career:
After retiring from playing, Van der Sar transitioned into football administration. He returned to Ajax, where he took on a series of executive roles, including CEO. Under his leadership, Ajax experienced a resurgence, winning domestic titles and reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League in 2019. Van der Sar's contributions off the field have been just as impactful as his on-field performances, as he has been instrumental in modernizing the club and maintaining its position as a European football powerhouse.
Summary:
Edwin van der Sar is a football legend, both for his extraordinary career as a goalkeeper and for his successful transition into an executive role. His calmness, leadership, and technical ability made him a standout goalkeeper, most notably during his time at Manchester United and Ajax. Post-retirement, his work as a football executive, especially as CEO of Ajax, has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the game.
