5 Shocking Moments That Defined Edwin Van Der Sar's Life After Football: Health Scare, Awards, And A Hinted Return

The world of football held its breath in 2023 when news broke of Edwin van der Sar’s sudden and life-threatening health crisis. As of late 2024, the legendary Dutch goalkeeper and former AFC Ajax CEO has made an incredible recovery, opening up about the terrifying cerebral haemorrhage that changed his life forever and hinting at a potential return to the sport he loves. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at his journey, from his unparalleled playing career to his recent personal trials and professional accolades, including a major Eredivisie honor.

The transition from a decorated playing career at clubs like Manchester United and Juventus to a high-profile executive role at Ajax was already a remarkable second act. However, the events of the past year have added a profound and deeply personal chapter to his story, showcasing the resilience that defined his time between the goalposts. His recent Eredivisie Oeuvre Award is a testament not just to his on-field legacy, but also to his enduring service to Dutch football.

Biography and Career Profile: The Unstoppable Dutchman

Edwin van der Sar OON (Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau) is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, known for his imposing stature, exceptional shot-stopping, and revolutionary distribution skills. His career spanned over two decades, setting records and collecting major trophies at every level.

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• Full Name: Edwin van der Sar
• Date of Birth: 29 October 1970
• Place of Birth: Voorhout, Netherlands
• Height: 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in)
• Playing Position: Goalkeeper
• Major Clubs (Playing): AFC Ajax (1990–1999), Juventus (1999–2001), Fulham (2001–2005), Manchester United (2005–2011)
• International Career: Netherlands National Team (1995–2008), 130 caps (a record at the time of his retirement)
• Post-Playing Role: Marketing Director at Ajax (2012–2016), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Ajax (2016–2023)
• Key Achievements: UEFA Champions League (1995 with Ajax, 2008 with Man Utd), 4x Eredivisie titles, 4x Premier League titles, UEFA Cup (1992), FIFA Centurion Award.

1. The Terrifying Health Scare: Cerebral Hemorrhage and Recovery

The most significant and recent event in Edwin van der Sar's life was the sudden medical emergency he faced in July 2023. While on holiday with his family in Croatia, the former Manchester United star suffered a cerebral haemorrhage (a brain bleed).

The news sent shockwaves across the global football community. He was immediately admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in a Split hospital before being transferred back to a hospital in the Netherlands.

The situation was initially described as "stable but still concerning." However, Van der Sar's fighting spirit, familiar to fans from his playing days, shone through. He was eventually released from the ICU and continued his recovery at home.

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In a powerful and candid statement in late 2023, Van der Sar opened up about the ordeal, revealing how the experience had fundamentally changed his perspective on life. He spoke of his gratitude for the medical staff and the flood of support he received from former teammates, clubs, and fans worldwide, including those from Old Trafford and the Johan Cruyff Arena.

His recovery journey has been a source of inspiration, proving that the resilience he showed as a world-class goalkeeper extends far beyond the football pitch.

2. Stepping Down from Ajax CEO: A Professional Pause

Before his health scare, Edwin van der Sar had already made a major professional decision: to resign from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AFC Ajax in May 2023.

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He had served in the executive role for seven years, a period marked by both significant sporting success—including reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019—and later, a challenging downturn in the club's performance and internal structure.

Van der Sar cited a need to step away and take a break after a demanding period at the helm of the Dutch giants. His resignation was announced just weeks before his medical emergency, underscoring the high-pressure environment of top-tier football administration. The former goalkeeper has since been taking a well-deserved sabbatical, focusing entirely on his health and family following his recovery.

3. An Emotional Return to the Pitch and a Hinted Comeback

Despite the seriousness of his cerebral haemorrhage, Van der Sar has not ruled out a return to the sport in a professional capacity, though his current status remains one of recovery and rest.

In a heartwarming moment that captured headlines, the Manchester United and Ajax legend made an emotional return to the pitch in a charity match for Ajax in late 2024. This appearance, 16 months after his health scare, was a powerful symbol of his recovery and enduring connection to the game.

He has openly discussed the possibility of a comeback, stating that he is taking a year out but remains open to new opportunities in football, potentially in an advisory or administrative capacity. This hints at a third career act for the former Dutch international, potentially leveraging his experience both as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson and a high-level executive.

4. Eredivisie Oeuvre Award: A Recognition of Dutch Legacy

In a major professional highlight since his recovery, Edwin van der Sar was honored with the prestigious Eredivisie Oeuvre Award. This accolade was presented to him during the 2023/24 Eredivisie Awards ceremony.

The Eredivisie Oeuvre Award is a special tribute given to individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to Dutch football, both on and off the pitch. For Van der Sar, the award recognized his incredible career that began with Ajax, his record-breaking 130 caps for the Netherlands National Team, and his subsequent years of service as the CEO of Ajax.

Receiving the award served as a powerful public acknowledgment of his status not just as a global icon, but as a foundational figure in the history of Dutch football. It placed him among the most revered figures in the sport's history in the Netherlands, cementing his legacy beyond his trophy haul.

5. Backing Andre Onana: The Goalkeeper's Seal of Approval

Maintaining his connection to the game, Edwin van der Sar has recently weighed in on the performance of his former club, Manchester United, and their current goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

In a late 2024 interview, Van der Sar publicly backed the Cameroonian goalkeeper, who had faced significant scrutiny following his move to Old Trafford. The Dutch legend praised Onana's strong mentality and technical ability, stating that he believes Onana has the potential to become "the best in the world."

This endorsement is highly significant, coming from a man who is not only a Manchester United icon but also a goalkeeping pioneer known for his ball-playing skills—a trait Onana is also celebrated for. Van der Sar’s comments serve as a powerful vote of confidence, offering a veteran's perspective and topical authority on the demanding role of a modern goalkeeper. His continued engagement with the sport, even while recovering, shows his deep-seated passion for the game and its future talent.

The Enduring Legacy of an Icon

Edwin van der Sar's career is a masterclass in longevity, consistency, and pioneering excellence. From his early days under Louis van Gaal at Ajax, where he won the Champions League, to his successful stint with Fulham, and finally, his trophy-laden years at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, he defined the modern goalkeeper. He was the first goalkeeper to win the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs, a testament to his enduring quality.

His post-playing career as an executive at Ajax added a unique dimension to his legacy, demonstrating his commitment to football administration and development. The challenges he has faced recently—from the pressures of the CEO role to his serious health scare—have only amplified the respect he commands. As he continues his recovery and contemplates his next step, the football world eagerly awaits the return of one of its most distinguished figures, knowing that whatever role he chooses next, it will be executed with the same class and determination that marked his legendary career.