30 Facts About Edwin Van Der Sar

Early Life and Career

Edwin van der Sar's journey to becoming one of football's greatest goalkeepers began in a small town in the Netherlands.

1. 01Edwin van der Sar was born on October 29, 1970, in Voorhout, Netherlands. His early days in football started at his hometown club, Foreholte, before moving to VV Noordwijk.
2. 02His professional career took off when he joined Ajax in the early 1990s. He was part of Ajax's golden generation and played a crucial role in the team's success during that period.

Rise to Stardom

Van der Sar's talent quickly became evident, leading to significant achievements early in his career.

3. 03In 1995, Van der Sar was part of the Ajax team that won the UEFA Champions League. This achievement cemented his status as a top-class goalkeeper at a young age.
4. 04In 1999, Van der Sar left Ajax for Juventus, where he spent two years before moving to England.
5. 05His first stint in England was with Fulham FC. Although he played for the club from 2001 to 2005, his time there was relatively short-lived before he joined Manchester United.

Manchester United Era

Van der Sar's time at Manchester United marked the peak of his career, filled with numerous accolades and memorable moments.

6. 06Van der Sar signed for Manchester United on June 10, 2005, for a reported fee of £2 million. He went on to become a key player for the team, helping them win several major trophies.
7. 07In 2008, Van der Sar won his second Champions League title with Manchester United. This achievement made him one of just eight players to have won the competition with more than one club.
8. 08During the 2008-09 season, Van der Sar set a world record by not conceding a league goal for 1,311 minutes. This record was a testament to his exceptional goalkeeping skills and his ability to keep clean sheets consistently.
9. 09At the age of 40 years and 205 days, Van der Sar became the oldest player to win the Premier League. This achievement is a reflection of his longevity and continued excellence in the sport.
10. 10Throughout his career, Van der Sar has won several individual awards, including Best European Goalkeeper in 1995 and 2009, and UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009.

Key Moments and Achievements

Van der Sar's career is dotted with key moments that highlight his skill and impact on the game.

11. 11Van der Sar was named in the PFA Team of the Year multiple times during his tenure at Manchester United. This recognition is a testament to his consistent performance and impact on the team.
12. 12He was renowned for his ability to save penalties. One notable instance was during a Manchester derby match against Manchester City in 2007, where he saved a penalty from Darius Vassell to secure a 1-0 victory for Manchester United.
13. 13Van der Sar won the Community Shield twice with Manchester United, in 2007 and 2008. These victories were significant as they marked the beginning of successful seasons for the team.
14. 14In addition to his Premier League and Champions League titles, Van der Sar also won the League Cup with Manchester United in 2006. This achievement highlighted his versatility and ability to perform well in different competitions.

International Career

Van der Sar's contributions extended beyond club football, making significant impacts on the international stage.

15. 15Van der Sar played 130 times for the Netherlands national team, making him the most-capped goalkeeper in Dutch history until Wesley Sneijder surpassed him in 2017.
16. 16In 2008, Van der Sar came out of international retirement to help the Netherlands qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He kept clean sheets in both matches against Iceland and Norway, ensuring crucial victories for his country.

Style and Attributes

Van der Sar's unique style and physical attributes set him apart from other goalkeepers.

17. 17Van der Sar was known for his unique style of play, which included his ability to handle the ball with his feet and distribute it accurately. This skill allowed him to function as a "sweeper-keeper" on occasion, particularly during his time with Ajax.
18. 18Despite being a large and athletic goalkeeper, Van der Sar was slender and agile. His height and physique enabled him to come off his line effectively to handle crosses and make saves.
19. 19Van der Sar was praised for his intelligence on the pitch. He had excellent positional sense, reflexes, and shot-stopping abilities, which made him one of the best goalkeepers in football history.
20. 20One of Van der Sar's most notable qualities was his calm composure under pressure. This trait allowed him to remain focused and make crucial saves even in high-stakes situations.

Longevity and Legacy

Van der Sar's career longevity and the legacy he left behind are testaments to his dedication and skill.

21. 21Van der Sar's career spanned over two decades, a testament to his longevity and ability to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period.
22. 22During his time at Ajax, Van der Sar won several domestic and international honours, including the Dutch Championship, Dutch Cup, and European Super Cup.
23. 23With the Netherlands national team, Van der Sar participated in several major tournaments, including the European Championship and World Cup. Although he did not win any major international titles, his performances were consistently impressive.
24. 24Van der Sar received numerous individual awards throughout his career, including the Dutch Player of the Year award in 1998 and the Fanny Blankers-Koen Career Award.

Honors and Recognition

Van der Sar's contributions to football have been recognized through various honors and awards.

25. 25In 2010, Van der Sar was awarded the Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau for his contributions to Dutch football.
26. 26In 2011, Van der Sar received the FIFA Centurion Award for his 100th appearance for Manchester United. This award recognized his significant contributions to the club and the sport.
27. 27Van der Sar was knighted by the Royal Dutch Football Federation for his outstanding service to Dutch football. This honor is a testament to his dedication and achievements in the sport.

Post-Playing Career

Even after retiring from professional football, Van der Sar continued to contribute to the sport in various capacities.

28. 28After retiring from professional football in 2011, Van der Sar briefly came out of retirement in 2016 to play a match for Dutch amateur team VV Noordwijk. This gesture highlighted his love for the sport and his willingness to give back to the community.
29. 29Currently, Van der Sar serves as the chief executive of Ajax, a position he has held since his retirement from playing. This role allows him to continue contributing to the sport and the club he loves.
30. 30Edwin van der Sar's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, known for his exceptional skills, longevity, and contributions to both club and country. His influence on the sport continues through his executive role at Ajax and his inspiration to aspiring goalkeepers around the world.

Edwin Van Der Sar's Lasting Impact

Edwin Van Der Sar's career is a shining example of excellence, longevity, and dedication. From his early days at Ajax to his legendary tenure at Manchester United, he consistently showcased top-tier goalkeeping skills. Winning the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs and setting a world record for clean sheets, he proved his mettle time and again. His calm composure under pressure and intelligent play made him a standout figure in football.

Even after retiring, Van Der Sar's influence continues. As the chief executive of Ajax, he remains deeply involved in the sport, shaping future talents and contributing to the club's success. His legacy isn't just about the trophies and records; it's about inspiring the next generation of goalkeepers and football enthusiasts. Edwin Van Der Sar will always be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.