Edgar Davids

Some highlights:

• With Ajax, Davids won multiple Eredivisie titles and played a part in Ajax’s European successes.

• At Juventus, he became a central figure in midfield, known for his work ethic, defensive contribution, and ability to support attacks.

• At numerous clubs, his trademark goggles (worn due to glaucoma) made him instantly recognizable on and off the pitch.

International Career

• Davids earned 74 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring 6 goals.

• He represented the Netherlands at several major tournaments: UEFA European Championships (1996, 2000, 2004) and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

• One of his most memorable international moments: in the 1998 World Cup second round, his powerful strike in the dying minutes secured the Dutch passage to the quarterfinals vs Yugoslavia.

• He was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998) and in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (2000).

Davids also had some controversies, such as clashing with management or speaking out on team matters.

Style of Play & Personality

• Davids was relatively short in stature (approximately 1.69 m) but made up for it with intensity, stamina, tackling, and mental strength.

• He played as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, able to break up play, support transitions, and contribute to attacks.

• His goggles, worn due to a glaucoma condition (stemming from eye injuries), became a signature—FIFA granted special permission for their use.

• Nicknames given to him include “The Pitbull”, Piranha, Duracell for his relentless energy, and others reflecting his fierce disposition.

• While admired for his leadership and aggression, Davids was also outspoken and sometimes clashed with coaches or officials.

Later Career & Coaching

After retiring as a top-level player, Davids turned to coaching and management:

• In 2012, he became player-manager at Barnet (English lower leagues).

• He resigned from his managerial role at Barnet in January 2014.

• More recently, he held coaching roles such as assistant coach at Telstar (Netherlands) and a head coach role at Portuguese side Olhanense in 2021, though his tenure was short.

• He has also been involved in club administration, youth development, and appearances in football media.

Notable Quotes

Here are some memorable quotes attributed to Edgar Davids:

“That is life: you have to deal with things, and it’s up to you how you deal with things. That’s what makes you mature or not. If you can get the best out of yourself, that’s all that matters. If you do that, nobody is arguing.”

“Visually, my trademarks have always been my glasses and hair.”

“Someone makes a racist remark … you have to say, ‘This is the line. You’ve crossed it, and you have to apologize.’”

“I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is.”

“For skills and tricks, Ronaldinho was the best player I’ve played with.”

“Everyone has an affection for the club where you played in your youth … loyalty is staying at the club. Affection is different.”

These quotes reflect Davids’ blend of humility, assertiveness, and integrity—especially in matters of respect, identity, and sport.

Lessons from Edgar Davids’ Journey

1. Overcome adversity with identity
   Despite vision challenges, Davids transformed his condition (glaucoma) into part of his identity and continued to perform at the highest level wearing protective goggles.

2. Relentless work ethic
   His nickname “The Pitbull” is apt: Davids combined physical tenacity with intelligence and persistence.

3. Speak on issues that matter
   He did not shy away from speaking out about racism, respect, and fairness — roles too many athletes avoid.

4. Adaptability across roles
   From playing in top leagues to lower-tier coaching, he continued to engage with football and made transitions continuously.

5. Signature personal branding
   His look—glasses, hair, intensity—became iconic. It shows how personal branding, when genuine, can amplify presence on and off the field.