Ederson has established himself in recent years as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Currently at Manchester City, the Brazilian has just won the award for best goalkeeper for the 2022-2023 season. Here are 5 key elements to know about this prodigy of the goal.
His early beginnings
Born in 1993 in Osasco, near Sao Paulo, Ederson started his career very early, at only 16 years old, at the prestigious club Benfica. From his first matches with the youth teams, he stood out for his impressive reflexes and great composure in goal. After two years at Benfica, he continued his progression at Rio Ave, where he became a starter at only 20 years old.
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His confirmation at Benfica
Back at Benfica in 2015, Ederson had to face competition from the legendary Julio César. But an injury to the latter gave him his chance in March 2016. In his first league match, a derby against Sporting CP, he delivered a heroic performance that sealed Benfica’s victory. He then retained his place as a starter and led his team to the championship title. His class and maturity earned admiration.
A unique style
Physically imposing in his goal (6’4″), Ederson secures his defense with his aerial dominance. But he is also a modern goalkeeper, comfortable with the ball at his feet. Under Pep Guardiola at City, he has refined his short and precise distribution. He also does not hesitate to venture far from his area to disrupt opposing transitions. His reading of the game and his footwork make him a complete goalkeeper.
An already impressive trophy cabinet
Despite his young age, Ederson has already won countless collective trophies. At Benfica, he was a double champion of Portugal, winner of the Cup and the Super Cup. Transferred to Manchester City in 2017 for €40m, a record for a goalkeeper, he has since added 4 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, and 1 English League Cup to his trophy cabinet. Most importantly, he won the Champions League in 2022 with the Citizens.
The future number 1 goalkeeper for Brazil
Regularly called up for the Brazilian national team since 2016, Ederson seems destined to become the starting goalkeeper for the Seleção in the years to come. His positional sense, distribution qualities, and impressive consistency at club level make him the designated successor to Alisson Becker. At only 29 years old, Ederson already embodies the future of the goalkeeper position at the highest level. Undoubtedly, new individual and collective titles await him.
By winning the FIFA The Best award for best goalkeeper for the 2022-2023 season, Ederson has further confirmed his exceptional talent. Under contract until 2026 with Manchester City, the Brazilian still has many great years ahead of him to make history in his sport.
