Edgar Davids

The Pitbull who wore goggles and conquered Europe.

Edgar Steven Davids (born 13 March 1973) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. Davids was nicknamed "The Pitbull" because of his marking ability, aggression, and hard tackling style of play, and is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Quick Facts

Full name: Edgar Steven Davids
Born: 13 March 1973
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname
Height: 1.69 m / 5 ft 7 in
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 423
Total goals: 34

Lore & Background

After beginning his career with Ajax, winning several domestic and international titles, he subsequently played in Italy for AC Milan, and later enjoyed a successful spell with Juventus, before being loaned out to Barcelona in 2004. He went on to play for Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Ajax. Having struggled with injuries for two years, Davids returned to competitive football during a brief spell with Crystal Palace before retiring at the age of 37. In 2012, he was appointed player-manager at the English League Two club Barnet. He resigned by mutual agreement as manager in January 2014. He was capped 74 times by the Netherlands at international level, scoring six goals, and represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship (three times: 1996, 2000, and 2004).

Reader's Guide

One of the most recognizable players of his generation, Davids often stood out on the football field due to his dreadlocked hair and the protective goggles he wore due to glaucoma. In 2004 he was chosen by Pelé to feature in the FIFA 100, his list of the world's greatest living footballers, as a midfielder. Davids first wore protective goggles on 4 September 1999 in a friendly match against Belgium.

Did You Know?

Davids was nicknamed "The Pitbull" by Ajax manager Louis van Gaal.
He missed Ajax's first penalty in the 1996 UEFA Champions League final shoot-out, which they lost to Juventus.
Davids tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone in 2001 and was suspended by FIFA.