The Story of The “BLIND” Midfielder Who Outplayed Everyone!

The Dutch "Pitbull" was considered one of the great defensive midfielders in his prime. From Ajax to Italy to Spain to England, Davids saw success at European and domestic levels and received praise for his tireless work-rate and tenacious defending. Globally recognisable for his glasses while playing, he became a fan favourite, whose time at Barnet FC in lower-league English football proves he simply loved to play the game.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Ajax
05:45 - AC Milan
06:42 - Juventus
08:35 - Eye Injury and Glaucoma
09:09 - Euro 2000
09:31 - Success and Scudetti
11:32 - Converting to a Catalan
12:22 - Return to Milan
13:51 - Travelling to Tottenham
14:20 - Reverting to Amsterdam
15:05 - Lower-level English clubs
15:04 - Retirement and Management
16:03 - Legacy

[@Uncle-Basil]

Davids is a legend in my opinion, a real baller.

[@vincenzovieri3743]

Not ur opinion, it’s fact he’s a legend. Thnx to him he turned barca into champions along with Rafa Marquez, ronaldinho, puyol, deco, etc unstoppable defense and attack. Wished he stayed but they wouldn’t pay David’s.

[@obynoomere1280]

Absolutely

[@danilocarvalho5711]

@@vincenzovieri3743 yes , a very good player , but only one season at barcelona

[@bzilla1090]

@@danilocarvalho5711 Barcelona was shit at the time, Juventus was a more successful club on the continent, Barcelona only had one Champions League title, the one they won against Sampdoria, and we're destroyed 4-0 in their most recent final against AC Milan, who fielded a weakened squad.

[@danilocarvalho5711]

@@bzilla1090 davids is a very good player , but in reference to his Barça carreer , was only one season on loan from juventus , and he didn't play a major role in transforming thr club into a power house. Also, you are talking about two diferent periods : the final versus sampdoria , wich Barcelona won , and versus AC Milan , wich Barcelona lost , both were in the 90's ..... Davids played for Barcelona in 2004

[@lyrazilvertong]

I am dutch and grew up in the same are where players like kluivert davids melchiot Seedorf all played on the same square in their young years Davids was a beast I will never forget his tackle on ronaldo at the world cup 98

[@marcsugi]

You put Melchiot up there with three giants... 😁

[@lyrazilvertong]

@@marcsugi Melchiot was a very good player

[@isaz597]

Which square was this in Amsterdam? I remember Gullit & Rijkaard playing Jordaan area

[@lyrazilvertong]

@@isaz597 Het rode pleintje aan de Naardermeerstraat in Amsterdam Noord was zijn domein the red square in AMsterdam north Naardermeerstraat

[@isaz597]

@@lyrazilvertong cool I thought it maybe same square as Ruud and Frank

[@Lufefe]

What I've noticed over here is just how good he looks on the ball, technically, with his ability to dribble and progress the ball, which in modern football is usually thought to be reserved for attacking players. His ball control is levels better than many of the modern day players. many of them who happen to be attackers, and this is a defensive midfielder who used to get stuck in as well. Brilliant player really.

[@jscottyrolls2702]

He was crap. A rough tackler, no skill or finnesse. He could get away because of his ugly face.

[@hugosophy]

Davids is now a part of Van Gaal’s coaching staff for the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup. Crazy how they’ve remained so close for more than thirty years.

[@terrencetaylor8196]

Pit-bulls are very loyal dogs.

[@sbaby-kg8hn]

The respect and love is real

[@selena6112]

And that overplayed clip of Messi cussing at Van Gaal shows Davids sort of like a peacemaker

[@IvanPribisalic]

First came Ronaldinho but something wasn't working. Then came Edgar ''Pitbull'' Davids and the rest is History. I remember that half season like it was yesterday. For me one of the best ever but so underrated.

[@benmc2163]

I was at the pre-season game for Spurs v Porto when he had just signed. Came off the bench after about an hour and the first thing he did was go crashing into one of their players with a CRUNCHING tackle. We all just looked around at each other with a wry smile and someone said 'Go on Edgar!'

[@OtheDaddy]

Edgar Davids was a beast, a monster, a machine! This man took on any oponent on the pitch. He, Mauro Silva, Redondo, Ngolo Kante and Steve Makelele are the best diffensive midfielders I ever watched play football! And the no 6 position is the most strategic in modern football. Louis van Gaal has a very good knowlegde of football!

[@fcukwad]

Davids, Rijkaard, Seedorf, Litmanen. Each a legend of the game, but all together in midfield? That's tasty!

[@drunkensailor112]

Davids was the best defensive midfielder I've ever seen together with Fernando Redondo

[@OtheDaddy]

You know football. My regards

[@Mohamed-oz9op]

You know your stuff. Redondo was a joy to watch.

[@mickaeldurand6908]

gattuso kante were great

[@TeamOfThe80s]

He was the best player at the 1998 World Cup. I’ll never forget how absolutely amazing he was in that tournament. He was like five players in one, covering every blade of grass. Ronaldo and Zidane got the plaudits but Davids was way above everyone else in that tournament.

[@user-yk4ey3xl9s]

Yes I recall how he killed us in the round of 16 (Serbia and Montenegro). He scored the winning goal but aside from that was absolutely fantastic in all other facets of the game, really dominated midfield

[@stellarsjay1773]

I remember him from France 98 as well. He was amazing.

[@toomuchinformation]

The Dutch team of the '98 WC doesn't get enough love imo.

[@TeamOfThe80s]

@@toomuchinformation definitely

[@toomuchinformation]

@@TeamOfThe80s Even FIFA realises this. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6bNZ2erh9apoNU

[@bsklasika]

i remember watching him doing Ronaldinho as a defensive midfielder long before Ronaldinho himself came to Europe. but back then players were much more special and allrounded than today, so it was not taken as something special. now a defender makes the dribble and he is croned as a sensation and 60mil are given for him. back then players had to be able to play at least 3 positions to be considered good. however, Davids was special. a heir to Gullit, but more modern, more aggressive and defensively oriented. everyone was scared of him and everyone respected him. at the same time he was the coolest dude with his glasses and dribbling.

[@nmarcus7233]

There is more technical quality today in general. Davids could play in any era though due to being beautifully well rounded and being tough as nails.

[@JohnBoyBeattie]

How many times have we heard "he managed to progress despite his short stature"? We hear it all the time, especially in Britain, when the reality is most of the greatest players ever to play the beautiful game were little guys. It's effin mind-boggling. How many potential geniuses left the game because some moron who thinks every player has to be 10ft 10 told them they were too small? P.s. I loved Davids one of my all-time fav players

[@user-iz9ix8ru8d]

Right?! Also it's hilarious when commentators refer to guys 5'9 (like Griezmann) as "diminutive". They're average height ffs

[@irishoverseer1385]

Best example is Roy Keane.

[@jankowalski4080]

@@irishoverseer1385 one of the best

[@TeamOfThe80s]

I dread to think what would've happened If Iniesta and Xavi were English

[@guigoufred1]

@@TeamOfThe80s The worst was France during the 70s to 20s, the policy on physical characteristic was full on height and power, fortunatelly other country showed the way (Spain mainly) and this policy was turned down, but so many talents were lost.

[@johanprx7985]

We were in the same school together in Amsterdam. I have met him very briefly. I doubt he'll remember me. He wasn't yet built like he would be later on but eventhough he is kind of short he came across as very powerful and energetic.

[@deathrager2404]

thats why he had the rage. he used roids. thats also why he beats people including women, roid rage. LOL this guy is pure trash.

[@nunodasilva5449]

I still remember Juventus with him and Nedved. Two tireless players on the pitch.

[@alanbrady7116]

This is a great documentary on Edgar Davids. A smashing player. Thanks for your work and sharing

[@wiseonwords]

"Smashing" is the operative word in your description of Davids! He was a great player.

[@fanuellandolf2009]

Love the video. Davids always helped out his country of birth Suriname. As a surinamese citizen we all love and respect Davids, Kluivert, Seedorf, Gullit and so on.

[@OtheDaddy]

God bless Surinam!

[@Vlog.anTravels]

How does this channel only have 700+ subscribers?! Dude these videos are quality. KEEP IT UP!!

[@karlmtinsley8297]

Beautiful player from the 2nd Golden Generation of Dutch football.

[@marvin4827]

A legend in his own right.

[@juiceqc7716]

One of my favourite holding midfield players of all time. Lovely left foot.

[@Div4Dante]

Davids was class⚽️👏🏼

[@johnwood5387]

Can you tell me of a team where really no stars were bought Only Rijkaard a former Dutch player was brought back Beat ac Milan 3 times that season!

[@guyhabone]

LEGEND Love from Africa

[@iayyam]

One of my all-time favorite players

[@matsalvatore9074]

This was my favorite player when I started watching juventus

[@chiaramazzotti]

Mi hai fatto innamorare del calcio. Indimenticabile e inimitabile❤❤❤❤

[@Luccient]

Legendary player. If you saw him play there was no question or doubt.

[@blinky6667]

Even as a heavyweight, would not want to fight Davids in the ring. He had soooo much power.

[@benmc2163]

Yet Robbie Keane dropped him with one punch in training at Spurs.

[@georgenabulele]

We had him for 6 months in Barca......The rest is HISTORY.

[@pauldizzly]

Absolute machine!

[@LiveinReykjavik]

This man netted the winner against us on WC in France '98. Crumbled my childhood dreams, lol.

[@Raydensheraj]

I remember him playing at an incredible Ajax Amsterdam....bombing my team ( Bayern ) away 5:2...they literally were the Pep-Barca before Pep-Barca...outstanding technique, passing, pressing and with incredible talents. Unfortunately, that didn't last long...all the great players soon ended up in the top teams of Europe.

[@mmartijn78]

Cruyff Barca...?

[@athosgomesfonseca]

My favorite non-Brazilian footballer ever. The epitome of cool! 🥳

[@zgpm7031]

Great channel. All these players are from my era.

[@theretroroute]

Thanks. Much more to come

[@AREADUA7]

My era too

[@davidgriffiths946]

Completely agree, this comment and this channel is amazing, im so shocked ive just found it. My favourite players documented in a brilliant way!

[@zgpm7031]

@@theretroroute please do Ronaldo….the real ronaldo, R9, his time at PSV, Barca, Inter, Madrid, milan.

[@p.gyaltsen30]

Legend David The look the game says it all

[@TGFLdn24]

Absolute legend.

[@Ollu99]

Edgar🤩one of my favourite football players 😱💪 the pitbull

[@electro_uk4457]

you guyz deserve more subs!

[@qbrhino8875]

Keep up the good work bro 👍🏻 loving the content

[@timothycross550]

Ngolo Kante: The Edgar Davids Regen

[@Hidden-Secrets]

One of my fav players ever. Still got the ps1 one game "the mission". Grazie Pitbull 💯💯💯

[@Winterkingdom1]

Quality videos, hope you continue

[@anthonyleonard6148]

He was the fire on.all his team great

[@haroonpash739]

Brilliant video. it was a joy to watch him in the Barca va lfc legends game

[@bread_n_butter8614]

One of the most complete players ever

[@kurtstap]

Excellent video, thanks so Much, good luck on your journey.

[@SuitcaseShuffle]

Quality stuff! Great archive and research has been put into these videos. I'd love to see you cover the careers of Oliver Beirhoff or Leonardo; elbows and lederhosen included.

[@Kamau1865]

Leonardo, fine. What kind of sadist would want to watch a video about boring Oliver Bierhoff's career? Perhaps something on the 5-1 England victory over Germany in Munich, 2001. Did he play, I wonder...

[@WWE2KUNIVERSEELITE]

Holy moly i forgot about that AJAX Team full of legends!

[@sortmagi]

Super Edgar, min idol when i was child.... Just imagine that ajax team, kluivert, edgar seedorff van der sar mama mia...

[@beastTime999]

Keep it up bro am a fan of your work

[@nelyybeats2517]

he looked like a badass Matrix movie villain at this years world cup lol

[@ooKJoo]

Great video my favourite of yours so far!! I Had the pleasure of cooking Davids a burger 🍔 (back in 2014 while I worked as a chef in Amsterdam) I was completely starstruck seeing him enter the restaurant something I never felt before.. he had a bunless burger with only salad, cooked medium rare il never forget it lol what a legendary player!!

[@thesituation9249]

That ajax team though 😍

[@rahmanlazim2727]

I really enjoy your content.i can't wait for your next video👍❤️

[@theretroroute]

Thanks. Coming soon…

[@dapurofficer7934]

Ajax 94/95 still hold the legendary youngest team to won UCL.

[@madjazza4098]

Big Edgar will always be the man!

[@randybobandy7236]

Favourite player ever. So happy when he came to spurs.

[@Tshering.Tobgay]

Subscribed!! Can't wait until some of the youngsters feature here after decades.

[@alessandrosina48]

these videos are really well made

[@mouawyaa]

Amaaaaazing!!!

[@breezjr4234]

You deserve more views and more subs !

[@alenametumo4597]

U are good bro...keep up the good work.

[@josephmalik3861]

great player and fights for his team

[@dougiemarks9852]

More videos like this please!

[@clivehunte3026]

The Pitbull, what a player

[@BSMAG87]

Barnet are my second team (had a season ticket for a few years when I was at school) and that Davids ended up as player manager is still truly bizarre.

[@brettdagooner6663]

When he was injured at spurs and on the way to recovery, he was doing some light ball work on the pitch next to where we were training, he asked to join in, i went into a 50/50 with him and i reinjured him. He remembered me when i used to see him at barnet

[@sbaby-kg8hn]

Brilliant little player

[@tigana108]

No one stronger like him in history of football....

[@drtalkboxsa9412]

The Holland national team deserves to have won at least two world cups

[@mikaelespath7624]

I would have loved them to have won one as well, but your comment isn't true. If they had won it, they would have deserved it. They didn't win, so they didn't deserve it. That's how sports works mate.

[@5thMilitia]

@@mikaelespath7624 you guys just have another definition of that word

[@mikaelespath7624]

@@5thMilitia Yes, I have the correct definition.

[@karamalgharbtv6757]

Beautiful video thank you

[@sheltonwilliams1373]

This man was in class by himself

[@Nixima81]

I say it like my favorite game - One for the history books.

[@acatacho]

I like that clip of how he casually ragdolls Zanetti. Who in his own right was a very tough and difficult player for his opponents. Yes it's a foul but it's funny nonetheless.

[@hfhhfhfhghf8619]

true legend

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Amazing player

[@donchichi10]

Legend…

[@ElimanGibba]

Never heard of him. Truly impressive story.

[@factsandworldknowledge2654]

Really when were u born?

[@ElimanGibba]

@@factsandworldknowledge2654 1960 ,immigrated to the US July 1990 ,soccer wasn’t big here at that time .

[@MrKrewie]

The coolest guy on the pitch 😎

[@vaevictis_]

I subbed as soon as I heard the intro music tbh

[@RockNlRolla]

He was a beast

[@klizan33]

I would like to see seedorf as well , absolutely fantastic player

[@Matteo-pc9gt]

Such a legend... Jude Sharp😎

[@rivernchelsea]

I played that position and he is my favorite

[@raulrubio2862]

Mr. Worldwide, Dale!!! -The Pitbull

[@bayokoebi9351]

No midfielder in the world can diversify like Davis

[@sepetuko]

My fav player

[@RocketJr.]

Very nice vid!! I hope you do one for/with Yari Litmanen some time, i think the goat nr10 of them all, if he wasn't injured that often.

[@theretroroute]

Thanks! A few videos in the works but Litmanen has always intrigued me. Fantastic CAM for a legendary Ajax side. Great suggestion! 🙏

[@RocketJr.]

@@theretroroute Thx :D his passes and his overview of the field was sublime, i think. He is a really cool guy and i'm a fan of him! 👍

[@mandodw2341]

Oakleys are so wavy, I’m glad David’s wore them. Most think they’re goggles but they’re just really good sunglasses that have an impact resistant lenses. He may of have prescription in their too.

[@chucknasty419]

My legit favorite player

[@ifeanyiobiora-okafo7017]

this channel will grow soon

[@kmeksotuya]

I enjoyed watching him while at Tottenham Hotspurs👌🏾🔥💯

[@CainMammadov]

The first player that I became fan of

[@HM-se1ig]

The bulldog,what a player

[@sheltonwilliams1373]

He was my favorite baller growing up.

[@nosoul4233]

I always thought he was cool so whenever I’d play fifa he was always my first buy

[@Armeniozo]

Him and Seedorf are so underrated here in Holland, it's unreal

[@rob7146]

Underrated Videos! Please make a video about the story Franck Ribéry or Patrick Kluivert

[@theretroroute]

Thanks! Ribery’s definitely on the list

[@rob7146]

@@theretroroute Kluivert would be very interesting too. He caused a car accident when he was 19 years old. A woman was killed in the process. He is said to have driven twice as fast as allowed. A year later he left Ajax because he couldn't handle the pressure in Amsterdam. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@JAFC49]

@@rob7146 Ratio

[@jerichosaril9672]

Great content Please make one about Clarence Seedorf!

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Amazing grafter

[@incscreenerfx5081]

Legend imo