Edwin van der Sar stands as one of football’s most accomplished goalkeepers, a towering figure who redefined excellence between the posts across two decades. His legendary 1,311-minute clean sheet record remains unbroken, while his transition from player to executive cemented his status as a complete football professional.
Table of Contents
Quick Bio: Edwin van der Sar at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Edwin van der Sar |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1970 |
| Age (2026) | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Voorhout, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Playing Career | 1990–2011 (brief return 2016) |
| Clubs | Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, Manchester United |
| International Caps | 130 (Netherlands) |
| Major Titles | 2 Champions League, 4 Premier League |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $21 million |
| Current Status | Former Ajax CEO (resigned May 2023) |
What is Edwin van der Sar’s Net Worth in 2026?
Edwin van der Sar’s net worth is estimated at approximately $21 million as of 2026. This wealth accumulates from his illustrious playing career spanning over two decades, lucrative endorsement deals, executive salaries at Ajax, and strategic investments in property and business ventures.
Net Worth Breakdown and Income Sources
Van der Sar’s financial portfolio reflects a diversified approach:
Playing Career Earnings (1990–2011)
- Ajax contracts and bonuses: Estimated $8-10 million
- Juventus salary (1999-2001): Approximately $3 million
- Fulham earnings (2001-2005): Around $4 million
- Manchester United wages (2005-2011): Estimated $15-18 million total
Executive Income (2012–2023)
- Ajax marketing director and CEO roles: Estimated $500,000-$800,000 annually
- Accumulated executive income: Approximately $5-8 million over 11 years
Additional Revenue Streams
- Endorsements with Adidas and other brands during playing days
- Property investments in Netherlands and England
- Media appearances and punditry work
- Speaking engagements and consultancy
How Does Van der Sar’s Wealth Compare to Other Goalkeepers?
| Goalkeeper | Estimated Net Worth | Career Peak Clubs |
| Edwin van der Sar | $21 million | Ajax, Manchester United |
| Peter Schmeichel | $25 million | Manchester United |
| Gianluigi Buffon | $20 million | Juventus, PSG |
| Petr Čech | $40 million | Chelsea, Arsenal |
| David de Gea | $75 million | Manchester United |
While younger goalkeepers like David de Gea command higher net worth due to modern wage inflation, Van der Sar’s $21 million reflects solid financial management across his playing and executive careers.
Early Years: How Did Edwin van der Sar Start His Football Journey?
Edwin van der Sar began his football journey in the small Dutch town of Voorhout, where he was born on October 29, 1970. His natural height and reflexes made goalkeeping an obvious choice, and he joined local youth club VV Foreholte in 1980 before moving to VV Noordwijk in 1985.
At VV Noordwijk, his performances caught the eye of Ajax scouts. The Amsterdam giants signed the 19-year-old in 1990, marking the beginning of a career that would redefine goalkeeper standards. Van der Sar spent time developing in Ajax’s youth system before making his senior debut, learning from experienced keepers and Ajax’s renowned coaching philosophy that emphasized ball-playing ability alongside shot-stopping.
Ajax Breakthrough: What Made Van der Sar a Star?
Edwin van der Sar became Ajax’s starting goalkeeper during their golden era in the mid-1990s. His breakthrough came during the 1994-95 season when he helped Ajax win the UEFA Champions League, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final. This victory marked him as one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers at just 24 years old.
Key Ajax Achievements
- Champions League Victory (1995): Starting goalkeeper in final against AC Milan
- UEFA Cup (1992): Reserve keeper, no appearances
- Eredivisie Titles: 4 league championships
- KNVB Cups: 3 domestic cup victories
- Total Appearances: 226 matches for Ajax
Van der Sar’s Ajax career earned him his first Best European Goalkeeper award in 1995 and four consecutive Dutch Football Goalkeeper of the Year honors (1994-1997). His composure with the ball at his feet revolutionized the modern sweeper-keeper role that would become standard decades later.
Why Did Edwin van der Sar Leave Ajax for Juventus?
In August 1999, Van der Sar transferred to Italian giants Juventus for a fee that reflected his status as one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers. The move represented a significant career challenge – breaking into one of the world’s most prestigious clubs that had traditionally favored Italian goalkeepers.
The Italian chapter proved difficult. Van der Sar made 66 Serie A appearances over two seasons but struggled to establish the same dominance he enjoyed at Ajax. Language barriers, tactical differences, and intense media scrutiny created a challenging environment. Despite his technical excellence, Juventus decided to pursue other options, leading to his departure in 2001.
How Did Fulham Revive Van der Sar’s Career?
Edwin van der Sar joined Fulham on August 1, 2001, signing for the Premier League side for approximately £7 million. This move to England revitalized his career and reputation. Under manager Jean Tigana, Van der Sar rediscovered his confidence, making 127 league appearances and becoming a fan favorite at Craven Cottage.
His performances earned him Fulham Player of the Year in 2004 and attracted attention from bigger clubs. Van der Sar’s time in London demonstrated his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, qualities that would define the remainder of his career.
Manchester United Dynasty: What Records Did Van der Sar Set?
On June 10, 2005, Manchester United signed Edwin van der Sar from Fulham for £2 million, replacing Roy Carroll as the club’s number one. This transfer proved to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s shrewdest signings, as Van der Sar became instrumental in United’s domestic and European dominance.
The Legendary Clean Sheet Record
Between November 8, 2008, and March 4, 2009, Van der Sar achieved the extraordinary feat of not conceding a Premier League goal for 1,311 consecutive minutes. This world record streak included:
- 14 consecutive clean sheets
- Started against Arsenal on November 8, 2008
- Ended when Newcastle’s Peter Lovenkrands scored on March 4, 2009
- Previous scorer: Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, 16 matches earlier
The record surpassed previous benchmarks set by:
- English league record: 1,103 minutes (Steve Death, Reading, 1979)
- British top-flight record: 1,155 minutes (Chris Woods, Rangers, 1987)
- Single-season world record: 1,289 minutes (José María Buljubasich, América, 2005)
Manchester United Honors and Statistics
| Competition | Titles Won | Key Stats |
| Premier League | 4 (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11) | 313 appearances |
| Champions League | 1 (2008) | Saved crucial penalty in final |
| League Cup | 2 (2006, 2009) | 87 clean sheets total |
| Club World Cup | 1 (2008) | 360 saves made |
Van der Sar won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2008-09 with 21 clean sheets and was named to the PFA Team of the Year three times (2007, 2009, 2011). He retired in 2011 as the oldest Premier League winner at 40 years and 205 days.
Is Van der Sar the Best Goalkeeper in Premier League History?
Edwin van der Sar ranks among the Premier League’s top three goalkeepers alongside Peter Schmeichel and Petr Čech. While debates continue, his longevity, record-breaking performances, and consistent excellence across 313 Premier League appearances make a compelling case for his status as the division’s greatest goalkeeper.
Comparison with Premier League Legends:
| Metric | Van der Sar | Schmeichel | Čech |
| Appearances | 313 | 310 | 443 |
| Clean Sheets | 132 | 128 | 202 |
| Save % | ~70% | ~72% | ~71% |
| Premier League Titles | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Golden Glove Awards | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Van der Sar’s technical ability, leadership, and revolutionary ball-playing skills established the template for modern goalkeepers like Alisson and Ederson.
International Stardom: How Many Caps Did Van der Sar Earn?
Edwin van der Sar represented the Netherlands national team with distinction, earning 130 caps between 1995 and 2008, a Dutch record for goalkeepers. He made his international debut on June 6, 1995, and participated in seven major tournaments:
- 1994 FIFA World Cup (squad member)
- UEFA Euro 1996 (Quarter-finals)
- 1998 FIFA World Cup (Semi-finals, fourth place)
- UEFA Euro 2000 (Semi-finals)
- UEFA Euro 2004 (Semi-finals)
- 2006 FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
- UEFA Euro 2008 (Quarter-finals)
Van der Sar announced his international retirement after Euro 2008 but briefly returned for 2010 World Cup qualifiers before making his retirement final. His consistency over 13 years made him a cornerstone of Dutch football’s golden generation.
What Individual Awards Has Edwin van der Sar Won?
Edwin van der Sar’s trophy cabinet reflects individual excellence across two decades:
Major Individual Honors:
- Best European Goalkeeper: 1995, 2009
- UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year: 2009
- Premier League Golden Glove: 2008-09 (21 clean sheets)
- Dutch Football Goalkeeper of the Year: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
- Dutch Golden Shoe: 1998
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2006-07, 2008-09, 2010-11
- UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament
- Fulham Player of the Year: 2004
- Ajax Player of the Year (Rinus Michels Award): 1998
Special Recognition:
- Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau (2010)
- FIFA Centurion Award (2011)
- Knight of the Royal Dutch Football Federation (2011)
- Fanny Blankers-Koen Career Award (2011)
Life After Playing: What Happened to Edwin van der Sar?
After retiring from professional football in 2011, Edwin van der Sar transitioned seamlessly into football administration. His post-playing career has been marked by executive success and a brief health scare:
Ajax Executive Career Timeline
2012-2016: Marketing Director
- Appointed Ajax marketing director on November 19, 2012
- Focused on commercial growth and brand development
- Helped modernize Ajax’s international presence
2016-2023: Chief Executive Officer
- Promoted to CEO in late 2016
- Oversaw Ajax’s Champions League semi-final run (2019)
- Managed transfers including Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong
- Navigated COVID-19 pandemic challenges
- Resigned in May 2023 after disappointing season
Health Update: What Happened in July 2023?
On July 7, 2023, Van der Sar suffered a brain hemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia. The news shocked the football world, with the BBC reporting his condition as “stable but still concerning.” His family released a statement through Ajax:
“Edwin van der Sar has been taken to an intensive care unit after experiencing a bleed on his brain. His condition is stable but still concerning, and he will remain in intensive care for the time being.”
Recovery Timeline:
- July 7, 2023: Admitted to intensive care in Croatia
- July 18, 2023: Successfully discharged after two weeks of treatment
- August 2023: Continued recovery at home
- 2024-2026: Maintained low public profile while focusing on health
The incident drew parallels to his wife Annemarie’s 2009 brain hemorrhage, from which she successfully recovered. As of 2026, Van der Sar has made steady progress but has not returned to any official football role.
Edwin van der Sar in eFootball: What’s His Rating?
Edwin van der Sar features as a Legendary goalkeeper in eFootball (formerly PES), with ratings reflecting his real-world dominance:
eFootball Card Details:
- Overall Rating: 95-107 (depending on version)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Playing Style: Defensive Goalkeeper
- Key Stats: Reflexes (99), GK Positioning (98), Catching (97)
- Skills: Penalty Specialist, Low Punt trajectory
His eFootball presence keeps his legacy alive for younger gamers who never witnessed his playing days, cementing his status among digital football’s elite goalkeepers.
Complete Career Statistics
Club Career Summary
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| VV Noordwijk | 1985-1990 | – | – | – |
| Ajax | 1990-1999 | 312 | 259 | 139 |
| Juventus | 1999-2001 | 88 | 74 | 41 |
| Fulham | 2001-2005 | 154 | 183 | 52 |
| Manchester United | 2005-2011 | 266 | 202 | 135 |
| Career Total | 1990-2011 | 820+ | 718 | 367+ |
Transfer History and Dates Joined
| Transfer | Date Joined | Fee | Age |
| Ajax → Juventus | August 1, 1999 | £6.5m | 28 |
| Juventus → Fulham | August 2, 2001 | £7m | 30 |
| Fulham → Man United | July 1, 2005 | £2m | 34 |
| Retirement | June 30, 2011 | – | 40 |
What is Edwin van der Sar’s Nickname?
Edwin van der Sar earned the nickname “The Flying Dutchman” during his playing career, referencing both his nationality and his spectacular shot-stopping ability. The moniker highlighted his agility despite his imposing 6’6″ frame, as he would soar across goal to make seemingly impossible saves.
Who Was the Best Goalkeeper for Manchester United?
The debate between Van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, and David de Gea divides Manchester United fans, but most statistical analyses favor Peter Schmeichel as United’s greatest goalkeeper, with Van der Sar a close second:
Schmeichel’s Edge:
- Won 5 Premier League titles (vs. Van der Sar’s 4)
- More intimidating presence and vocal leadership
- Heroic performances in key moments (1999 Champions League run)
Van der Sar’s Case:
- Superior technical ability with feet
- Longer United career (266 vs. 292 appearances)
- World record clean sheet streak
- More consistent performances at older age
Many modern analysts argue Van der Sar’s all-around game better suits contemporary football, while Schmeichel’s dominance and trophy count give him the historical edge.
How Many Champions League Titles Has Van der Sar Won?
Edwin van der Sar won the UEFA Champions League twice, becoming one of the few players to achieve this feat with two different clubs:
- 1995 with Ajax – Defeated AC Milan 1-0 in Vienna (age 24)
- 2008 with Manchester United – Defeated Chelsea on penalties in Moscow (age 37)
His 2008 triumph featured a crucial penalty save against Nicolas Anelka in the decisive shootout, cementing his status as a Champions League legend. Van der Sar also reached the 1996 final with Ajax (lost to Juventus) and the 2009 final with United (lost to Barcelona).
Who is Man United’s Current Number One Keeper?
As of 2026, Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper situation has evolved significantly since Van der Sar’s retirement in 2011. Following David de Gea’s departure in 2023, André Onana became United’s number one, having joined from Inter Milan. The Cameroonian goalkeeper represents a continuation of the ball-playing tradition Van der Sar pioneered.
Is Onana Better Than De Gea?
The comparison between André Onana and David de Gea reflects different goalkeeper philosophies rather than pure quality:
David de Gea Strengths:
- Superior shot-stopping and reflexes
- More saves per season
- Consistency across 12 seasons at United
André Onana Advantages:
- Exceptional distribution and ball-playing
- Better in one-on-one situations
- More commanding in penalty area
De Gea’s traditional shot-stopping excellence contrasts with Onana’s modern sweeper-keeper approach – a style Van der Sar helped popularize two decades ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Van der Sar’s clean sheet record last?
Van der Sar’s 1,311-minute clean sheet record lasted from November 8, 2008, to March 4, 2009, spanning 14 consecutive Premier League matches without conceding a goal.
What was Van der Sar’s penalty save percentage?
Van der Sar saved approximately 25-30% of penalties faced during his career, including crucial stops in the 2008 Champions League final and 2009 Community Shield.
How many goals did Van der Sar score in his career?
Van der Sar scored one professional goal – a long clearance in Ajax’s 9-1 victory over De Graafschap during the 1997-98 Eredivisie season.
At what age did Van der Sar retire from professional football?
Van der Sar retired at age 40 on June 30, 2011, after Manchester United’s Champions League final loss to Barcelona. He became the oldest Premier League winner at 40 years and 205 days.
How many times was Van der Sar named in PFA Team of the Year?
Three times: 2006-07, 2008-09, and 2010-11 – remarkable consistency across five seasons at Manchester United.
What percentage of matches did Van der Sar keep clean sheets?
Van der Sar maintained clean sheets in approximately 44-45% of his matches across all competitions, with his best rate (50.8%) coming at Manchester United.
How does Van der Sar’s international record compare to other Dutch goalkeepers?
His 130 caps remained the Dutch record for goalkeepers until it was matched by later keepers, cementing his status as Netherlands’ most-capped goalkeeper of his generation.
What was Van der Sar’s final competitive match?
His final match was the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley on May 28, 2011, which United lost 3-1.
How many major tournaments did Van der Sar participate in for the Netherlands?
Seven major tournaments: 1994 World Cup, Euro 96, 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, and Euro 2008.
What is Van der Sar’s win percentage at Manchester United?
Van der Sar recorded a win percentage of approximately 70% at Manchester United across 266 appearances, contributing to one of the club’s most successful eras.
Edwin van der Sar’s Enduring Legacy
Edwin van der Sar revolutionized the goalkeeper position, proving that technical ability with the ball could complement traditional shot-stopping excellence. His 1,311-minute clean sheet record remains football’s most impressive defensive achievement, while his longevity at the highest level – winning the Premier League at age 40 – inspired countless goalkeepers to extend their careers.
From Ajax’s golden generation to Manchester United’s modern dynasty, Van der Sar’s influence extended beyond trophies. He established the template for the modern sweeper-keeper, paving the way for Manuel Neuer, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Alisson Becker. His seamless transition into football administration at Ajax demonstrated that elite players can succeed beyond the pitch when they apply the same dedication and intelligence that defined their playing careers.
As he continues his recovery and contemplates his next chapter, Edwin van der Sar’s legacy remains secure: one of football’s greatest goalkeepers, a record-breaker, and a true professional who elevated everyone around him.
