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Edwin van der Sar is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Over the course of his career, Edwin has played for some of the most prestigious clubs, including Foreholte, VV Noordwijk, Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United.

When he joined Ajax, he became a part of the team’s “golden generation”, and it was here he won his first UEFA Champions League title in 1995, along with other trophies such as Best European Goalkeeper. Over the course of his career, Edwin set a world record for consecutive clean sheets in 2008-09, and he was also the oldest player to win the Premier League when he was 40 years old.

As well as his club career, Edwin was goalkeeper for the Netherlands national team, earning 130 caps for his country, and reaching the 1998 World Cup semi-finals.

 

Edwin van der Sar | After Football

After retiring from professional playing, he transitioned into football management, serving as Ajax’s marketing director and CEO, leading them through big financial and competitive growth. Whilst he may have retired from professional playing, he hasn’t turned his back on the sport completely, appearing in the 2012 and 2014 Soccer Aid matches for UNICEF.

He has also worked as an analyst for the Nederlandse Omroep Stichting broadcaster covering various tournaments including the UEFA Champions League.

 

Edwin van der Sar | Accolades and Honours

As an individual, he was honoured and awarded with:

– 4x Dutch Football Goalkeeper of the year
– 2x Best European Goalkeeper
– Dutch Golden Shoe 1998
– Player of the Year 2004
– Premier League Merit Award 2008-09
– 2x Most Clean Sheets in the Premier League
– Premier League Golden Glove 2008-09
– UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year 2009

 

Edwin van der Sar | Health

In 2009, Edwin’s wife Annemarie was admitted to hospital with reports saying she had suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage – she went on to make a good recovery. In a cruel twist of fate, Edwin suffered his own brain haemorrhage in 2023, spending two weeks in intensive care.

 

Edwin van der Sar | Speaking Topics

– Elite Leadership and Management

– High Performance

– Pressure

– Maintaining Composure

– Developing a Winning Mindset

– Technical Expertise

– Resilience and Adversity

– Personal Recovery Journey

 

Edwin is perfect for sports leadership and corporate events focussing on high-performance, and business conferences focussing on leadership transitions and crisis management.

 

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great Sports Speakers now to book former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for your next event.

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