Edgar Davids was one of the most talented and fierce footballers of the 1990s and 2000s. He was known for his tenacity, energy, and versatility on the pitch, earning him the nickname "The Pitbull." Davids played for several top European clubs throughout his career, including Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, and Barcelona (and of course, Barnet).
Born on March 13, 1973, in Surinam, Edgar Davids began his professional career at Ajax, making his debut in 1991 at the age of 18. Davids quickly established himself as a hard-working midfielder, helping Ajax win three consecutive Eredivisie titles from 1994 to 1996. He was also a key member of the Ajax team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1995, scoring the winning penalty in the final against AC Milan.
In 1996, Davids moved to AC Milan, but struggled to make an impact due to injuries and the presence of other star players in the team. He eventually moved to Juventus in 1997, where he played a central role in the team's midfield for six seasons. During his time at Juventus, Davids won three Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, and helped the team reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2003. He also won the UEFA Intertoto Cup with the club in 1999.
After leaving Juventus in 2004, Davids had stints at Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax, and Crystal Palace before retiring from professional football in 2014 at Barnet. Accumulating countless European & Domestic trophies, across all the competitions he competed in, Davids made 581 appearances in his career, scoring 48 goals.
Davids was also a mainstay of the Dutch national team, earning 74 caps and scoring six goals. He represented the Netherlands in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006) and two European Championships (1996, 2000). Davids played a crucial role in the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup and the semi-finals of Euro 2000.
In addition to his footballing achievements, Davids was known for his distinctive dreadlocks, protective goggles, and outspoken personality. He was a vocal advocate for anti-racism and social justice in football, and was not afraid to speak his mind on controversial issues. Davids was also a fashion icon, often appearing in advertisements and fashion shows.
In summary, Edgar Davids was a talented and versatile midfielder who played for some of the top clubs in Europe during his career. He won numerous domestic and international titles and was a key member of the Dutch national team for many years, he played in four UCL finals, has been a part of Ajax's board, player/managed at Barnet and has an illustrious CV.
