Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar was born on October 29, 1970, in Voorhout, Netherlands. He would grow up to become one of the most successful and recognized goalkeepers in football history. His career spanned several decades, during which he played for top clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United, as well as the Netherlands national team.

On May 24, 1995, Edwin van der Sar was a key player for Ajax in their victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final. Ajax won 1-0, and it was the club's first Champions League title since 1973. Van der Sar's performances as a goalkeeper were instrumental in Ajax's success during this period, showcasing his talent on one of the biggest stages in club football.

In June 1999, Edwin van der Sar transferred from Ajax to Juventus for a reported fee of £5 million. At Juventus, he became the first non-Italian to be the first-choice goalkeeper for the club. He played for two seasons with Juventus in Serie A, further enhancing his reputation as one of the leading goalkeepers in European football at the time.

In August 2001, Edwin van der Sar signed for Fulham in the Premier League for a transfer fee of around £7 million. Joining Fulham marked a significant move in his career to the English league, where he spent four years with the club, making over 100 appearances and impressing with his consistent performances. His time at Fulham helped him adapt to English football.

Edwin van der Sar signed with Manchester United in June 2005. His transfer from Fulham to Manchester United was a pivotal moment in his career. Van der Sar quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper for United, helping the team to secure multiple Premier League titles as well as the UEFA Champions League title in 2008, reinstating the club as a dominant force in football.

On May 21, 2008, Edwin van der Sar played a crucial role in Manchester United's victory over Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final. The match, held in Moscow, ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Van der Sar famously saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty, securing Manchester United's third European Cup victory. This triumph is considered one of his career highlights.

Edwin van der Sar retired from professional football on May 28, 2011, after the UEFA Champions League final match against FC Barcelona. This marked the end of an illustrious career spanning over two decades. He played his last competitive match at the age of 40, becoming one of the oldest players to participate at such a high level. Van der Sar is remembered as a legend in world football for his numerous achievements and remarkable goalkeeping skills.

On December 31, 2012, Edwin van der Sar joined the Ajax board of directors as the marketing director. His transition from player to executive leadership marked his ongoing connection to football and particularly Ajax, where he started his professional playing career. Van der Sar’s experience and insight into the sport have been key assets in his role, contributing to the club's strategic growth and development.

Edwin van der Sar was promoted to CEO of AFC Ajax on November 11, 2016. This role allowed him to have a more significant impact on the management and strategic direction of the club. As CEO, Van der Sar played an essential role in Ajax's successes, including their impressive run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final, underscoring his effective leadership and commitment to the club’s heritage and future success.

On May 8, 2019, Ajax, led administratively by CEO Edwin van der Sar, reached the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. Although Ajax was eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur on away goals after a dramatic second leg, the campaign was a testament to the effective leadership and team building by Van der Sar and his colleagues. Ajax's performance amazed fans and analysts, marking a successful period in the club's history under Van der Sar's tenure as CEO.