A Steadfast Partnership: Edwin van der Sar's Enduring Love Story with Annemarie van Kesteren

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Edwin van der Sar, the revered Dutch football legend known for his illustrious career as a goalkeeper for Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United, and later as CEO of Ajax, has maintained a remarkably private and stable personal life, particularly concerning his romantic relationships. Unlike many public figures whose love lives often become tabloid fodder, Van der Sar's romantic history is defined by one enduring and deeply committed partnership: his marriage to Annemarie van Kesteren.

Their story began in a rather unassuming setting, far from the grand stadiums and bright lights of professional football. Van der Sar reportedly met Annemarie when he was shopping at her brother's grocery store, a humble beginning for a relationship that would span decades and withstand the pressures of a high-profile career. This foundation of normalcy and privacy has been a hallmark of their union, with Annemarie often preferring to shun the celebrity lifestyle, as reported by various media outlets.

The couple formalized their commitment on May 20, 2006, when they exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony held in Amsterdam. This marriage marked a significant milestone in Van der Sar's life, providing a stable anchor amidst his demanding football career. Their union quickly blossomed into a family, with the arrival of their two children: a son, Joe, born on March 16, 1998, and a daughter, Lynn, born on May 19, 2000. Both children have occasionally been seen in public supporting their father, with Joe notably on the pitch celebrating when his father saved a penalty during the Netherlands' shoot-out victory against Sweden at UEFA Euro 2004.

Their bond was tested significantly in December 2009, when Annemarie van Kesteren suffered a brain haemorrhage. The incident occurred just before Christmas, leading to her being admitted to the hospital in a "very poor" condition. This challenging period saw Van der Sar granted compassionate leave by Manchester United, allowing him to be by his wife's side. Sir Alex Ferguson, then United's manager, publicly supported Van der Sar, emphasizing the importance of family during such a crisis. Annemarie spent three weeks in the hospital, and thankfully, made a full recovery with no long-term effects, a testament to her resilience and the support system around her.

This profound experience profoundly impacted the couple, leading them to establish the Edwin van der Sar Foundation. The foundation, dedicated to supporting individuals with brain injuries, became a shared mission for Edwin and Annemarie. In January 2021, the foundation joined forces with the Brain Foundation, further solidifying their commitment to this cause. Annemarie has spoken publicly about her recovery journey, highlighting the challenges of relearning basic tasks like talking, walking, and planning, and how even simple activities like shopping became overwhelming due to sensory overload. Her willingness to share her experience underscores their dedication to helping others facing similar struggles.

Their enduring partnership continued to show its strength when, in July 2023, Van der Sar himself was admitted to intensive care after suffering a brain haemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia. Annemarie provided updates on his condition, confirming he was stable and communicative, and drawing parallels to her own experience. This mirrored health scare further highlighted the deep understanding and support they share, having navigated such a serious medical crisis together before. Van der Sar was discharged from intensive care two weeks later, continuing his recovery, once again demonstrating the couple's resilience in the face of adversity.

Throughout his celebrated career and into his post-playing roles, including his tenure as CEO of Ajax, Annemarie van Kesteren has remained a constant and supportive presence in Edwin van der Sar's life. While she largely maintains a low public profile, Edwin occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating their milestones. For instance, in March 2023, he posted a heartfelt message for her birthday, expressing his love and appreciation for their many years together. Their relationship stands as a testament to a private, loving, and steadfast partnership, built on mutual support and shared experiences, both joyful and challenging.