Ederson Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 24, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the evolution of modern football quite like Ederson Moraes—the Brazilian shot-stopper who has redefined what it means to be a goalkeeper.
No longer just a last line of defense, Ederson has become Manchester City’s first passer, a tactical innovator, and one of the most influential players in world football.
From a young talent in Brazil to a six-time Premier League champion and Ballon d’Or shortlist contender, Ederson’s journey is a story of vision, precision, and quiet dominance.
Then: The Early Years – A Keeper with a Playmaker’s Mind (1993–2017)
1. Humble Beginnings in Osasco, Brazil
Born on August 17, 1993, in Osasco, São Paulo, Ederson Santana de Moraes grew up in a football-loving family. His early years were spent playing outfield—initially as a midfielder—which would later shape his extraordinary comfort with the ball at his feet.
He joined São Paulo FC’s youth academy, but after being released at 15, he faced setbacks. Undeterred, he moved to Portugal in 2010, joining Benfica’s B team—a turning point in his career.
2. Rise Through Portugal’s Ranks
At Benfica, Ederson transitioned fully into goalkeeping. His standout trait? Unparalleled footwork and passing ability. Coaches quickly noticed he didn’t just kick the ball away—he started attacks.
He made his professional debut in 2015 and soon became Benfica’s first-choice keeper. In the 2016–17 season, he:
- Kept 18 clean sheets
- Won the Primeira Liga
- Earned praise for his 90%+ pass completion rate
European giants took notice.
Related: Mike Maignan Then and Now
The Rise: Arrival at Manchester City and the Pep Guardiola Revolution (2017–2021)
1. A £35 Million Gamble That Changed Football
In May 2017, Manchester City signed Ederson for £35 million—a record fee for a goalkeeper at the time. The move was not just about shot-stopping; it was a philosophical statement.
Under Pep Guardiola, City’s system relied on build-up play from the back, and Ederson was the perfect fit: calm, accurate, and fearless.
2. Redefining the Goalkeeper Role
Ederson didn’t just adapt—he revolutionized the position:
- Became the first goalkeeper to record over 100 assists in all competitions (as tracked by advanced metrics)
- Mastered the long diagonal pass, often switching play with pinpoint accuracy
- Acted as a sweeper-keeper, rushing off his line to intercept through balls
- Completed more passes per game than many midfielders
His ability to break high presses with a single kick became a trademark of City’s dominance.
3. Early Trophies and Individual Accolades
By 2021, Ederson had already won:
- 3 Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021)
- 2 FA Cups
- 4 EFL Cups
- Named Premier League Golden Glove winner (most clean sheets) in 2019 and 2020
He also earned the Premier League’s inaugural “Playmaker of the Season” award in 2022—a first for a goalkeeper—highlighting his role as City’s top assister.
Related: Christian Pulisic Then and Now
Now: The 2025 Era – A Legend at 31 and Still Evolving
1. A Pillar of Manchester City’s Dynasty
As of 2025, Ederson remains the undisputed number one for Manchester City, now under new management following Guardiola’s departure. Despite the transition, Ederson’s influence has only grown.
In the 2024–25 season, he helped City secure:
- Their seventh Premier League title in eight years
- A return to the UEFA Champions League semifinals
- Domestic cup success in the Carabao Cup
At 31 years old, he continues to perform at an elite level, combining experience with unmatched technical ability.
2. Tactical Evolution and Leadership
No longer just a “keeper with good feet,” Ederson has evolved into a true on-field general:
- Organizes the backline with calm authority
- Directs build-up like a deep-lying playmaker
- Mentors younger players in City’s evolving squad
His leadership became especially vital in 2024 when City faced a defensive overhaul after the departures of Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker. Ederson’s consistency and communication helped stabilize the defense.
3. Record-Breaking Achievements (As of 2025)
By 2025, Ederson’s resume is historic:
- 6 Premier League titles – most by any goalkeeper in English football history
- Over 250 appearances for Manchester City
- 150+ assists (including goal kicks, passes, and distribution)
- 5 Premier League Golden Gloves
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2023)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2023) – played every minute of the campaign
He’s also been named in the PFA Team of the Year five times—a rare feat for a goalkeeper.
4. Ballon d’Or Recognition – A Keeper on the List
In a historic moment for the position, Ederson was shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing in the Top 20—the highest-ranked goalkeeper that year. While he didn’t win, his inclusion was symbolic: goalkeepers can be game-changers, not just game-savers.
Pep Guardiola once said:
“Ederson is the best goalkeeper in the world because he starts our attacks. He’s our first midfielder.”
In 2025, that statement is no longer controversial—it’s fact.
Related: Angelo Ogbonna Then and Now
International Career: Brazil’s Number One (2023–2025)
1. Establishing Himself as Seleção’s Starter
After years as a backup to Alisson Becker, Ederson seized his opportunity in 2023 following Alisson’s injury. His performances in Copa América 2024—where Brazil reached the final—earned him the starting spot.
In 2025, he is Brazil’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, praised for:
- His command of the box
- Penalty-saving ability
- Leadership and calm under pressure
2. 2026 World Cup Ambitions
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup (hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico) on the horizon, Ederson is a key figure in Brazil’s quest for a sixth star. At 32, he’s in his prime and determined to lift the trophy.
Personal Life and Character
Ederson is known for his quiet professionalism, humility, and family values. He is married to Danusa Leão, and they have two children. He frequently shares moments of family life on Instagram, where he has over 10 million followers.
Off the pitch, he supports:
- Youth football programs in Brazil
- Environmental initiatives with Manchester City’s sustainability campaigns
- Anti-racism and inclusion efforts in football
Despite his fame, he remains grounded, often crediting his success to hard work, faith, and discipline.
Related: Diogo Jota Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ederson has changed football forever. He is the blueprint for the modern goalkeeper:
- Comfortable with the ball
- Tactical intelligence
- Willingness to take risks
- Integral to team philosophy
Clubs worldwide now prioritize passing ability in goalkeepers, inspired by Ederson’s success. Young keepers train not just to save, but to distribute, position, and lead.
He’s also a symbol of innovation in Brazil, proving that South American goalkeepers can excel in Europe—not just with reflexes, but with footballing IQ.
Conclusion: Ederson – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A young Brazilian keeper, released by São Paulo, rebuilding his career in Portugal, dreaming of the top.
- Now: A six-time Premier League champion, Champions League winner, Ballon d’Or nominee, and widely regarded as the greatest distributing goalkeeper in history.
Ederson’s journey is not just about trophies—it’s about transforming a position. He turned the goalkeeper into a creator, a strategist, and a leader.
As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup and potentially his final seasons at the elite level, one thing is clear:
Ederson didn’t just play the game.
He changed how it’s played.
⚽ “The goal is not just to stop the ball. It’s to start the next attack.” – Ederson
Related: Trent Alexander-Arnold Then and Now