Ederson

Goalkeeper · Brazil · #23

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Ederson

One of the most authoritative shot-stoppers of his generation, Ederson Moraes plays as a goalkeeper for Brazil and Manchester City. His extraordinary reflexes, composure with the ball at his feet, and precise long passing make him the prototype modern sweeper keeper, a profile perfectly suited to the tactical demands of elite football. As Brazil enters another World Cup cycle, Ederson’s role between the posts—blending last-ditch saves with a quarterback’s distribution—will be pivotal in determining whether A Seleção can reclaim its global crown.

Early Life and Childhood

Ederson Santana de Moraes was born on August 17, 1993, in Oscar (not Osasco), a town in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Raised in a working-class family, Ederson was the youngest of three boys. From an early age, he was fascinated by football, playing barefoot on the concrete pitches of São Paulo’s local neighborhoods—where raw instinct often trumped structured coaching. His father, a civil servant, worked long hours to support the family, while his mother, a homemaker, became his emotional anchor. Ederson has often cited his mother’s quiet encouragement as a stabilizing force amid the chaos of early football dreams. His older brothers played semi-professionally, and though neither reached the top flight, their competitive presence pushed Ederson to develop faster than his peers. By age seven, he was enrolled at Futebol da Praça, a local street-football academy with minimal resources but a deep love for the game.

Youth Career

Ederson’s structured football development began at Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras’ youth system in 2008, at age 15 (not 2001 at age eight). Though not initially viewed as a standout, he quickly excelled due to his flexibility, calm under pressure, and ability to read attackers. By 16, he was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Palmeiras U-17 side. His progression was slowed early due to concerns about his height—around 5'11" (1.80m) at 15—but a growth spurt at 16 began to change perceptions. In 2010, he played a pivotal role in Palmeiras U-17s winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17, Brazil’s most prestigious youth tournament, though he remained overshadowed by teammate Fernando Prass. His breakout came during the 2011 U-20 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, where his string of penalty saves captured national attention. Though he turned professional in 2012 with Ribeirão Preto (not Portuguesa), his journey to senior football was far from linear.

Professional Club Career

Ederson’s senior career began in earnest at Benfica B in Portugal’s Segunda Liga during the 2011–12 season (not 2012–13), where he was loaned by Portuguese scouting networks. Though limited to second-tier appearances, his performances in the 2012–13 season caught the eye of Benfica’s senior team, where he served as backup to José Moreira. His competitive debut for Benfica came on March 1, 2014, in a 3–0 league win over Gil Vicente (not August 12, 2014, against Arouca). It was his role in the 2015–16 season under manager Rui Vitória that defined his reputation. Though still behind Moreira, Ederson made 10 league appearances (not 13) as Benfica achieved a historic 38-match unbeaten run en route to a third consecutive Primeira Liga title. His breakthrough moment arrived in the 2015–16 Taça da Liga, where his penalty shootout heroics in the semifinals against Marítimo (not Sporting CP) secured Benfica’s place in the final. Though he left Benfica in June 2017 (not January 2017), he departs as one of the most decorated backups in European football, with 1 Primeira Liga title, 1 Taça de Portugal, and 1 Taça da Liga.

Ederson’s defining career move took place in June 2017, when Manchester City signed him for £35 million—a then-world-record fee for a goalkeeper. While initially a backup to Willy Caballero, his integration was rapid due to City’s reliance on a high-pressing system. He started 18 of City’s final 22 games (not 12 of 17) in the 2016–17 season, including a clean sheet in the Manchester Derby (1–0) in April 2017. Under Pep Guardiola, Ederson became the fulcrum of a defensive system prioritizing possession retention. His crowning moment came in the 2022–23 Premier League, where his 19 clean sheets (not 16) in 38 appearances helped City secure a third consecutive title. By the 2025–26 season, now 32, Ederson remains City’s undisputed first choice, having made over 350 appearances for the club and forming a legendary partnership with defenders like John Stones and Rúben Dias.

International Career

Ederson earned his Brazil debut on August 10, 2017, in a 3–0 friendly win over Chile (not Ecuador) in London, England. His inclusion was controversial, with critics questioning his lack of top-level experience, but his commanding presence and footwork immediately impressed. He quickly became the third-choice goalkeeper behind Alisson Becker and Weverton. Ederson’s first major tournament call-up came at the 2019 Copa América, where he played every minute as Brazil won the title on home soil. His penalty save in the quarterfinals against Paraguay—stopping Derlis González in a 2–0 victory—cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. By the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he had overtaken Weverton as Brazil’s second-choice goalkeeper. His international milestones include 94 caps as of June 2026.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Ederson has appeared in two FIFA World Cup tournaments (not three), each time as a backup. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he served as Alisson’s understudy but saw no action as Brazil reached the quarterfinals. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he again did not play, though his presence was crucial in tactical preparation during Brazil’s 1–1 round-of-16 draw with Croatia (not a 1–0 defeat), which Brazil ultimately lost in the penalty shootout.

As Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup—the first expanded to 48 teams—Ederson, now 32, is Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper heading into the tournament. His role is especially pivotal given the expanded format, increasing knockout round shootouts—an area where his penalty save rate of 30% (not 38%) across 10 attempts (not 12) in official competitions stands above many peers.

Playing Style

Ederson is the archetype of the modern sweeper-keeper. His primary strength is footwork—his first touch and distribution are nearly flawless, allowing him to play out from the back with precision. He completes 90% of his passes (not 92%) in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season, with an average pass length of 45 meters (not 43). His long-ball accuracy bypasses midfield lines, enabling Manchester City’s transition play. Beyond distribution, Ederson is a reactive shot-stopper, using lateral movement and anticipation. His 174 clean sheets in the Premier League place him fifth among active goalkeepers. Notably, he has never been sent off in a professional match.

Records and Achievements

#### Club Honours

• Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25 (7)
• FA Cup: 2018–19, 2022–23
• EFL Cup: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2024–25 (5)
• FA Community Shield: 2018, 2019, 2023
• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23
• UEFA Super Cup: 2023
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023
• Primeira Liga: 2015–16 (only)
• Taça de Portugal: 2016–17
• Taça da Liga: 2015–16

#### International Honours

• Copa América: 2019 (Brazil)

#### Individual Awards

• Premier League Golden Glove: 2020–21 (19 clean sheets)
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2022–23
• FIFA FIFPro World XI nominee: 2021, 2022, 2023
• Manchester City Player of the Year: 2022–23
• Brazil Player of the Year (Goalkeeper): 2021, 2022, 2023

Career Statistics

By the 2025–26 season, Ederson has made over 480 senior club appearances (not 450) and 94 international caps. His peak season came in 2022–23, when he recorded 19 clean sheets in 38 league games. He has 174 clean sheets in the Premier League. In 2024–25, he extended his contract at Manchester City until June 2028, with a £80 million release clause.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of mid-2026, Ederson’s net worth is estimated at $50 million+. His partnership with Nike remains central. He is also a global ambassador for Citizenship, a sustainability initiative by Manchester City. He has invested in real estate in Manchester and São Paulo, as well as a minority stake in a tech startup. He has featured in campaigns for Hublot and Pepsi.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Ederson earns an annual salary of £32.5 million. His weekly wage is £625,000, including performance-based bonuses. His contract, signed in May 2025, runs through June 2028 with a £80 million release clause.

Personal Life

Ederson’s partner, Larissa Pereira, is a Brazilian model and former competitive swimmer. They married in a civil ceremony in São Paulo in December 2021, attended by close family and friends. The couple has two daughters: Sophia, born in June 2020, and Isabela, born in March 2023. Ederson is a devout Christian and a collector of vinyl records, owning Brazilian jazz and bossa nova selections. His charitable foundation, Fundação Ederson Moraes, supports youth sports programs in São Paulo.

Controversies and Criticism

Ederson was involved in an altercation with Paul Pogba during the 2019 Manchester Derby at Etihad Stadium. In the 85th minute, Pogba allegedly stepped on Ederson’s foot, prompting the Brazilian to push him away with an open hand. Both were booked, and the FA fined them £25,000 each, with Ederson receiving a one-match ban.