Why did Edgar Davids wear glasses when he played?

Edgar Davids is one of the most famous footballers in the history of the game, not only because of his skills on the pitch, but also because of the glasses he wore at matches.

But have you ever wondered why the former Dutch national footballer always wears glasses during matches?

Why did Edgar Davids wear glasses?

Davids was a very talented footballer who helped Ajax win the Champions League in 1995. He also played for Juventus alongside football icons Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.

In 1999, Davids was going through a difficult period in his football career when his state of health was critical and it was clear that he might not be able to play again.
It all began four years earlier, in 1995, when the athlete suffered a serious head injury. Four years later, his vision was affected and he had to undergo surgery for glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. This had a huge impact on Davids’ game and he underwent surgery on his right eye, which was successful. Juventus staff and fans still feared that ‘Pitbull’ would play again.

Thanks to excellent treatment, Edgar Davids’ eyesight stabilised, but in order to return to the pitch as soon as possible, Edgar Davids had to wear safety glasses because of his poor eyesight.

What glasses did Edgar Davids wear?

Since donning these glasses, David has turned this professional challenge into an accessory, becoming a veritable fashion icon. Everyone began to admire the Dutchman’s spirituality and he quickly became a fan favourite.

Davids wore the original water jacket and, to be honest, looked pretty cool in it. The former Dutch international then opted for Nike glasses.

Did Edgar Davids always wear glasses when he played?

The answer is no. Edgar Davids first wore his iconic glasses on 4 September 1999. He made his first-team debut for Ajax on 6 September 1991. At the start of his professional football career, Davids did not wear glasses.

Edgar Davids will always be remembered for his fiery temperament and outstanding technical skills, but above all for his fashion sense.
He is even considered one of the most stylish players in the history of football, because he managed to turn his weaknesses into fashion.

Do the other players on the pitch wear glasses?

Edgar Davids is the most famous athlete to wear glasses, but he is not the only one to wear them at matches. Nowadays, players wear contact lenses instead of glasses, generally to protect their eyes and improve their vision.
Former Arsenal player Alex Song wore glasses to prevent eye infections.

Joep van Dahlé wore normal glasses during the match.
One day, after scoring the winning goal, an opponent broke my glasses.
Armando Jurion was another player who wore glasses during matches.

Are there any rules about wearing glasses on the pitch?

The Football Association (FA) recommends that glasses should be fitted with polycarbonate lenses and that frames should be secured with sports straps rather than temple attachments. Good quality polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and can withstand impacts from balls and fingers.

Referees must ensure that players do not represent a danger to themselves or to other players on the pitch.