Edwin Van Der Sar: The Goalkeeper Legend’s Shocking Health Scare, Eredivisie Oeuvre Award, And 2025 Hall Of Fame Nomination

Edwin van der Sar remains one of football's most revered figures, a towering presence whose career spans legendary spells at Ajax and Manchester United. As of , the focus has shifted from his on-field heroics and executive duties to his remarkable personal resilience, following a major health crisis that shocked the football world.

The Dutch icon, who recently received one of his home country's highest honors, is now on a path of recovery and reflection. His journey—from a cerebral hemorrhage scare to a potential Premier League Hall of Fame induction—is a testament to his enduring strength and impact on the sport, making him a subject of intense interest for fans across the globe.

Edwin van der Sar: A Comprehensive Profile and Biography

Edwin van der Sar's career is defined by longevity, consistency, and an unparalleled collection of major trophies. His profile details a player who mastered the art of goalkeeping, adapting his style across different leagues and eras.

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• Full Name: Edwin van der Sar
• Date of Birth: October 29, 1970
• Age: 55 (as of )
• Place of Birth: Voorhout, Netherlands
• Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
• Position: Goalkeeper
• International Caps: 130 (Netherlands National Team)
• Executive Role: Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AFC Ajax (2016–2023)

The Storied Club Career

Van der Sar is one of the few players to have won the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs, cementing his status as an all-time great. His career path took him through four major European leagues.

• AFC Ajax (1990–1999): The club where he began his professional career, winning four Eredivisie titles and the 1995 UEFA Champions League. He was a key member of Louis van Gaal's legendary 'Golden Generation'.
• Juventus (1999–2001): His time in Serie A was shorter, but he was the first non-Italian goalkeeper for the Turin giants.
• Fulham FC (2001–2005): A pivotal move to the Premier League where he became a fan favorite, playing over 150 matches and proving his world-class ability in England.
• Manchester United (2005–2011): His final and most decorated club spell. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he won four Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League, famously saving the decisive penalty in the final against Chelsea.

A notable record from his time at Manchester United is the Premier League record for the longest period without conceding a goal, a staggering 1,311 minutes during the 2008–09 season.

The Shocking Health Scare and Remarkable Recovery Journey

In July 2023, the football community was stunned by the news that Edwin van der Sar had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia. The incident occurred shortly after he had announced his resignation as CEO of Ajax in May 2023, following a disappointing season for the club.

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The initial reports indicated his condition was "stable but still concerning," and he remained in intensive care for a period.

A New Outlook on Life

Following his release from intensive care and subsequent recovery, Van der Sar has been candid about the life-altering experience. He has described the incident as a "wake-up call" and has spoken about leading a more "peaceful life" since the health scare.

His recovery has been a source of inspiration, demonstrating his fighting spirit off the pitch. While he has stepped back from the high-pressure executive role at Ajax, he has hinted that a return to football, perhaps in a less demanding capacity, is a possibility in the future.

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The former goalkeeper’s public appearances, including his recent attendance at award ceremonies, are viewed as significant milestones in his ongoing journey back to full health and public life. The support from his former clubs, including Manchester United and Ajax, and the wider football community has been immense.

Current Honors and Nominations: Eredivisie Oeuvre Award and PL Hall of Fame 2025

Despite stepping away from his official executive duties, Edwin van der Sar's legacy continues to be honored with major awards and nominations in 2024 and 2025, highlighting his enduring impact on both Dutch and English football.

The Prestigious Eredivisie Oeuvre Award

In a major testament to his services to Dutch football, Van der Sar was honored with the Eredivisie Oeuvre Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the Dutch league and football in the Netherlands.

The award ceremony, which took place in late 2024/early 2025, served as a powerful moment of recognition for his career, which began and flourished at Ajax, and his subsequent work as a football executive. He joins a select group of Dutch football luminaries to receive this honor.

The Eredivisie Oeuvre Award acknowledges not just his playing career—where he won multiple titles and a Champions League—but also his administrative work in guiding Ajax through a period of domestic success.

Premier League Hall of Fame 2025 Nomination

Adding to his list of current honors, Edwin van der Sar was officially nominated for the Premier League Hall of Fame class of 2025. This nomination places him among the elite players who have graced the English top flight, recognizing his impact during his time at both Fulham and Manchester United.

His nomination highlights several key statistics, including his record for clean sheets and his best-in-class save percentage for goalkeepers with over 100 Premier League appearances since 2005/06.

The fan vote, which runs alongside the nomination process, will determine whether Van der Sar joins fellow Manchester United legends like Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona in the exclusive Hall of Fame. His inclusion would be a fitting tribute to his remarkable consistency and the crucial role he played in securing multiple titles for the Red Devils.

From Executive to Icon: The Enduring Legacy

Van der Sar's transition from the pitch to the boardroom was a unique second act for the football legend. As CEO of Ajax, he oversaw a period of significant achievement, including multiple league titles and a memorable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019. This executive chapter, though ending with his resignation, added another layer to his complex and influential career.

The entity of Edwin van der Sar is now focused on health and celebrating a legacy that transcends club rivalries. His story is a powerful narrative of professional excellence, personal adversity, and well-deserved recognition.

As he continues his recovery, the football world eagerly anticipates his next move, whether it's a full return to the executive side, a mentorship role, or simply enjoying the peaceful life he now embraces. His 2025 nominations and awards confirm that his influence on the beautiful game remains as strong as ever.