Edgar Steven Davids (born March 13, 1973 in Paramaribo, Suriname) is a Dutch professional football player. He plays in the defensive midfield position and is known for his hard work ethic. He has played for AFC Ajax, A.C. Milan, Juventus FC, FC Barcelona, Internazionale, Tottenham Hotspur and again for AFC Ajax.

Davids suffers from glaucoma, which requires him to wear protective goggles during football matches. His dreadlocked hair and distinctive goggles make Davids one of the most recognisable footballers of his generation. Davids is the uncle of current NEC Nijmegen midfielder Lorenzo Davids. Davids was one of the players chosen by Pelé to be featured in the FIFA 100, a compilation of the world's greatest living footballers.

Club career

He started his career at Ajax in 1991, making his debut on September 6 in a 5-1 home win over RKC Waalwijk. At his best, the Surinam-born Dutch international Edgar Davids was almost the complete midfield player, combining technique and tenacity with a surprisingly subtle touch. He helped the Amsterdam club to three domestic Eredivisie titles, as well as international success with the 1992 UEFA Cup and the 1995 Champions League. While at Ajax, he was nicknamed "the Pit bull" by Ajax manager Louis van Gaal, due to his fierce style of play and bite in the midfield.

He moved to Italy in 1996, to play for A.C. Milan. He didn't see much playing time at Milan, and moved on to league rivals Juventus FC in December 1997 for £5.3m. Six successful years in Turin followed, with Davids helping the side to the Serie A title in 1998, 2002 and 2003.Also Juve manager Marcello Lippi once described him as "my one-man engine room". On May 17, 2001, Davids was suspended by FIFA when he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid, nandrolone.He was often inspirational in Europe, too, playing 15 times as the club made it all the way to the UEFA Champions League 2002-03 final before losing to AC Milan on penalties.

Davids joined Barcelona on loan in January 2004 as the Spanish club enjoyed a successful resurgence of form, finishing second to Valencia in the league. Then he permanently moved on to Italian club Internazionale on a three-year contract. When Internazionale terminated the remaining years of his contract in August 2005, he moved to England on a free transfer to play for Tottenham Hotspur.

He signed once more for Ajax on 28 January 2007 and played his first match against Ajax's rivals Feyenoord on February 4. After the mid-season switch, Davids proved his value for the Ajax team again. He was one of the key midfielders in the run for the Dutch championship, that was lost on one single goal to PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the league. He also played a major role in Ajax' cup campaign. He secured the KNVB Cup for Ajax by scoring the final penalty in a thrilling penalty shoot out against AZ.

Prior to the start of the 2007-08 season he suffered a broken leg in a pre-season friendly against Go Ahead Eagles, sidelining him for around 3 months. . In May 2008, Davids said he would leave Ajax when his contract expired on 30 June.