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Edinson Roberto Cavani Gómez (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈeðinsoŋ kaˈβani]; born 14 February 1987) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for and captains Argentine Primera División club Βοca Juniors. Nicknamed "El Matador" (The Bullfighter),[2] he is considered as one of the best strikers of his generation.[3]

Key Information

Cavani began his career playing for Danubio in Montevideo, where he played for two years, before moving to Italian side Palermo in 2007. In 2010, Cavani signed for Napoli, who signed him on an initial loan deal before buying him for a total fee of €17 million. He helped them win the Coppa Italia in 2012 and established himself as the most dominant striker in Serie A.[4] In mid-2013, Cavani joined Paris Saint-Germain in France for a reported €64 million, at the time the most expensive signing in French football history.[5] With PSG, Cavani won six Ligue 1 titles, five Coupes de la Ligue and four Coupes de France.[6] He also ranks as the club's second all-time top goalscorer.[7] In 2020, Cavani signed with Manchester United, scoring 17 goals in his first season, including a goal in the UEFA Europa League final, before signing for Valencia in 2022.

Cavani scored on his Uruguay debut against Colombia in 2008, and went on to earn 136 caps and score 58 international goals, only behind strike partner Luis Suárez among Uruguayan internationals. He participated in ten major international tournaments: four FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022), five Copas América (2011, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021), and one FIFA Confederations Cup (2013). Cavani scored at the 2010 World Cup to help Uruguay to fourth place in the tournament, and in 2011 was part of the Uruguay squad that won a record fifteenth Copa América title. He finished as the CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup qualification top scorer with ten goals.

During his time in Italy, Cavani was named in the league's Team of the Year three times and was Serie A top scorer in the 2012–13 season. During his time in Ligue 1, he was named in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year three times, was awarded Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the 2016–17 season, and was the league's top scorer in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. He was awarded the Golden Foot in 2018 for his achievements in football.

Club career

[edit]

Palermo

[edit]
Cavani during his time at Palermo in 2008

To this day. Batistuta wasn't a typical striker. A powerful footballer who was incredibly effective in front of goal. I always tried to copy him.

—Cavani on his idol growing up, Gabriel Batistuta.[8]

After his breakthrough at the 2007 South American Youth Championship, several big teams were reportedly interested in signing Cavani, including Juventus and Milan.[9] On 29 January 2007, however, Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini announced the signing of the promising Uruguayan.[10] The bid was officially confirmed on 31 January[11] for €4.475 million.[12] Cavani made his debut on 11 March 2007 in a home league match against Fiorentina,[13] coming on in the 55th minute with his team 1–0 down and scoring an impressive equaliser only 15 minutes later, a goal reminiscent of Marco van Basten's strike in the 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final.[14] In his second season with the Rosanero, Cavani found himself fighting for a first team place with Fabrizio Miccoli and Amauri.

After Amauri's departure to Juventus in June 2008, Cavani cemented his place in the starting line-up, forming a striking partnership with Fabrizio Miccoli and scoring a total 14 goals in the 2008–09 season, earning the nickname "El Matador" due to his composure in front of goal.[15] He retained his place for the 2009–10 season under new boss Walter Zenga, and also under successor Delio Rossi, being instrumental in the team's successful run in Serie A which took Palermo to European qualification and potential qualification to the UEFA Champions League with two games remaining. In April 2010, he signed a new contract with Palermo valid to June 2014.[16]

Napoli

[edit]

2010–11: move to Europe

[edit]

In July 2010, Cavani signed for Napoli. The transfer, however, was a loan of €5 million plus an option/obligation to buy outright for €12 million,[17][18] which made the total fee €17 million.[19] After debuting for Napoli as a substitute in the previous game, Cavani scored twice in his first start, as Napoli beat Elfsborg in the UEFA Europa League 2–0 and qualified for the main tournament. He then started his Serie A tenure with Napoli scoring a controversial goal against Fiorentina after just seven minutes, with replays showing the ball landing on the line. Cavani also scored on his home debut against Bari before adding a late winner against Sampdoria, meaning he had scored in his first four competitive matches with Napoli.

On 26 September, Cavani came on as a late replacement with 30 minutes left in a game against Cesena which Napoli was losing 1–0. After assisting the equalising goal, he went on to score two more, with the scoreline finishing at 4–1. That meant Cavani shared the lead as top scorer in the league alongside Internazionale's Samuel Eto'o.[20] Cavani's partnership with fellow forwards Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamšík led the Italian sporting media to dub them "The Three Tenors" after the famous singing group of the same name. On 15 December, Cavani netted a 92nd-minute goal against Steaua București to help his team to a 1–0 win and progress beyond the group stage of the Europa League. In the first match, which was held on Romanian soil, he had scored an equalising goal in the 97th minute. On 9 January 2011, Cavani scored a hat-trick during a 3–0 win over Juventus, the third goal coming by way of a diving header.[21] On 30 January, Cavani scored another hat-trick, this time in a 4–0 win over Sampdoria.[22] Cavani continued his fine form scoring a brace against Roma, with Napoli winning 2–0.

On 20 March, Cavani scored another brace against Cagliari in a 2–1 win. This win kept them within three points of leaders Milan with eight games left. On 3 April, Cavani scored yet another hat-trick in a 4–3 comeback win over Lazio, having been 2–0 and 3–2 down during the game. He also became the highest league goalscorer in a single season in Napoli's history, netting 25 goals in Serie A.[23] On 8 May, in a 2–1 away loss against Lecce, he received a red card for two bookable offences. He sarcastically applauded the referee after the decision and was handed a two-match ban for the action.[24] As Napoli only had two more games of the season, it meant that his season was over and that he would not be able to regain his top position in the Serie A scoring charts, as Antonio Di Natale had surpassed him with 26 goals. Cavani signed a new five-year contract on 19 May, keeping him at Napoli until 2016.[25]

2011–12: Coppa Italia win

[edit]

On 14 September, Cavani scored the opener in Napoli's first game of their Champions League campaign, a 1–1 away draw at Manchester City.[26] Four days later, on 18 September, he scored a hat-trick against Milan in Napoli's 3–1 home win.[27][28] On 22 November, Cavani scored both goals in the match winning brace 2–1 at home against Manchester City in the Champions League, leaving Napoli in pole position to follow Bayern Munich into the knockout stage.[29] On 26 November, Cavani scored a 94th-minute equaliser against Atalanta after Napoli went a goal down in the 64th minute through on-loan Napoli striker Germán Denis. On 21 December, Cavani netted a brace in Napoli's 6–1 thrashing of Genoa, helping the Azzurri finish 2011 strong and end the first half of the season in sixth place.[30]

On 17 February 2012, Cavani scored two goals against Fiorentina, helping Napoli go in fifth place ahead of Internazionale.[31] On 21 February, Cavani scored the second goal against Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16 first leg in Naples. He also provided the assists for both of Ezequiel Lavezzi's goals that game. Napoli subsequently went on to win this game 3–1.[32] Following Napoli's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea, Cavani scored two goals against Udinese in the last ten minutes to earn a much-needed draw to keep Napoli in the hunt for the last Champions League qualifying spot. A few days later, he converted a fantastic counter-attack against Siena to book Napoli a place in the Coppa Italia final. On 21 April, he celebrated his 200th career league appearance by scoring in a 2–0 win against Novara.[33] Cavani finished the league season with 23 goals,[34] tied for third on the goal scoring charts with Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale.[35] On 20 May, Cavani scored a penalty against Juventus in the 2012 Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, which Napoli won 2–0.[36] Cavani finished the tournament as the top goalscorer, with five goals.[37]

2012–13: Serie A top scorer

[edit]
Cavani playing against AIK in the Europa League in 2012

Cavani's first goal of the Serie A season came on 26 August, netting the final goal of Napoli's 3–0 defeat of former club Palermo.[38] A month later, on 26 September, Cavani scored a mesmerising hat-trick against Lazio to maintain Napoli's undefeated start to the Serie A season in a 3–0 win.[39]

On 8 November, Cavani scored all four goals, including a half-volley from outside the box and a tremendous free kick, as Napoli came back from 2–1 down to defeat Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 4–2 in the group stage of the Europa League.[40] Cavani scored a late penalty in the 94th minute to secure a 2–1 victory over Swedish side AIK on 22 November, sending Napoli through to the next round of the Europa League.[41] Cavani was the last player ever to score on the Råsunda Stadium which was the stadium that hosted the 1958 FIFA World Cup final.[42] On 6 January 2013, Cavani netted a perfect hat-trick as Napoli thumped Roma 4–1, gaining ground in the race for the league title as champions Juventus fell to a shock win.[43] Cavani finished the season as leading Serie A goalscorer, with 29 goals, six ahead of Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale in second.[44]

Towards the end of the season, reports emerged that Cavani would leave Napoli, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all believed to be interested.[45] On 27 May 2013, however, he told that he was not thinking of moving, saying, "Real Madrid, Chelsea and [Manchester] City are interested in me? I just think about Napoli." Nonetheless, he continued, "If an important offer were to come in, I will talk with president [Aurelio] De Laurentiis". He then paid tribute to his time in Italy, saying, "I'm fine in Italy, I have grown as a man there and as a player with the Serie A experience".[46] Cavani was asked about the interest Chelsea and Manchester City took in him, saying, "I don't know if they made an offer for me, I just know that to be coached by someone like [Man City manager] Manuel Pellegrini or [Chelsea manager] José Mourinho would always be a pleasure".[47] On 23 June, Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed that Cavani's reported £53 million "buyout clause expires" on 10 August 2013.[48]

Paris Saint-Germain

[edit]
Cavani playing for PSG in 2013

On 16 July 2013, Cavani joined French champions Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract,[49] for a fee believed to be around €64 million,[50] making it the sixth largest transfer in history, at the time. The reported sum made Cavani the record signing in French football, breaking Radamel Falcao's €60 million move to Monaco earlier in the summer, and saw him link up with former Napoli teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi in Paris.[51]

2013–14: debut season

[edit]

Cavani debuted for PSG on 9 August, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Lavezzi in a league match against Montpellier.[52] He started the following game on 18 August and scored his first goal for the club, a late equaliser against Ajaccio.[53]

Cavani scored his first Champions League goal for the club in their European season opener against Olympiacos on 17 September.[54] He ended the group stage with four goals from five matches as PSG qualified with a 100% win record.[54]

On 22 January 2014, Cavani scored his 20th goal of the season in PSG's 2–1 Coupe de France defeat at home to Montpellier.[55] On 2 March, after missing a month of the season with a thigh injury, Cavani scored on his return to the team in a 2–0 win over Le Classique rivals Marseille at the Parc des Princes.[56]

On 19 April, he scored both goals for PSG as they beat Lyon 2–1 in the 2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final.[57] He finished his first season with 25 goals in 43 games across all competitions, including 16 in 30 league games.

2014–16: back-to-back domestic quadruples

[edit]
Cavani playing for PSG in the UEFA Champions League in October 2015

Cavani scored a penalty to secure a 3–1 win at Lens on 17 October 2014, and celebrated by shooting an imaginary bow and arrow. Referee Nicolas Rainville booked him for this, and sent him off for dissent after Cavani complained about it. PSG club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said to Canal+, "Why did he get the yellow card before? He always celebrates the same way."[58] On 5 November 2014, it took Cavani 56 seconds to score the only goal of the game against Cypriot club APOEL, a result which put PSG into the Champions League knock-out stage with two games to spare.[59]

In January 2015, Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi were fined and suspended for two matches by PSG manager Laurent Blanc for missing a mid-season training camp in Morocco and the first training session after the winter break.[60] On 11 April, he scored two goals as a second-half substitute for Lavezzi as PSG defeated Bastia 4–0 to win the 2015 Coupe de la Ligue Final.[61] On 8 May, he scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 defeat of Guingamp, which gave PSG a six-point lead in Ligue 1 with two matches remaining.[62] With the title retained, PSG sealed a domestic treble on 30 May when Cavani headed the only goal of the game – his 31st in all competitions that season – to defeat Auxerre in the Coupe de France final.[63]

Cavani and PSG kicked off the season against Lyon for the 2015 Trophée des Champions on 1 August, with him scoring the second goal of a 2–0 victory.[64] On 21 May 2016, Cavani scored the decisive third goal of PSG's 4–2 2016 Coupe de France Final win over Marseille to record a second consecutive Ligue 1–Coupe de France–Coupe de la Ligue domestic treble for the club.[65]

2016–18: Ligue 1 Player of the Year, back-to-back Golden Foot

[edit]

On 13 September 2016, in the opening 2016–17 Champions League Group A match against Arsenal at the Parc des Princes, Cavani scored after just 44 seconds had elapsed in the first half by heading in Serge Aurier's cross from the right for PSG's fastest-ever Champions League goal. The match ended in a 1–1 draw.[66] On 16 September, Cavani scored four times (his first ever four-goal haul with PSG) in the first half as PSG trounced Caen 6–0 away in a Ligue 1 match to end PSG's streak of three competitive matches without victory, two of them in Ligue 1.[67][68] On 30 November, he scored a penalty in a 2–0 home win against Angers to take his Ligue 1 tally to 14 goals in 14 matches,[69] which also saw him become only the fourth player in PSG history to score 100 competitive goals for the club.[70]

Cavani scored one goal in each leg of PSG's 6–5 aggregate loss to FC Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, taking him to eight goals from eight matches in the season's competition. On 1 April 2017, he scored two-second-half goals in PSG's 4–1 win over Monaco in the 2017 Coupe de la Ligue Final.[71] On 15 May 2017, he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for scoring 35 goals.[7]

Cavani (number 9, standing next to Zlatan Ibrahimović, number 10, in March 2015) surpassed his former PSG teammate to become the club's all-time record goalscorer in 2018.

Prior to the 2017–18 season, Cavani was joined at the club by Brazilian forward Neymar, who moved to PSG in a transaction worth €222 million making him the world's most expensive player,[72] and 18-year-old French prodigy Kylian Mbappé, a loan signing with the club having an option to sign him for €180 million.[73] Cavani, Neymar and Mbappé immediately formed a formidable attacking trio, with Cavani scoring in each of PSG's opening three games of the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage, twice in the team's 5–0 win at Celtic, once in the 3–0 win at home to Bayern Munich, and once in the 4–0 win at Anderlecht.[74][75][76]

On 22 October, Cavani scored a curling free kick off the crossbar to earn PSG a 2–2 draw in Le Classique away to Marseille.[77] The following month, he scored twice in the return leg against Celtic in a 7–1 win. The result saw PSG break the record for the most goals scored by a club in the group stages of the Champions League, with 24.[78] On 4 November, Cavani's goals in a 5–0 win at Angers made him only the third player to score 100 times in two of Europe's five best leagues, after Ibrahimović and Gonzalo Higuaín.[79]

Cavani became PSG's all-time top scorer on 27 January 2018 with a goal in a 4–0 home win over Montpellier. He surpassed Zlatan Ibrahimović's record with his 157th goal in his 229th match.[80] On 8 May 2018, he scored as PSG won 2–0 against Les Herbiers VF to clinch the 2017–18 Coupe de France.[81]

2018–20: Final seasons in Paris

[edit]

On 25 August 2018, Cavani played his first game of the season after missing PSG's first three games following his injury at the 2018 World Cup. The front three of Cavani, Neymar and Mbappé all scored in a 3–1 league win over Angers at home, with Cavani scoring the opener from Neymar's assist.[82] On 11 November 2018, Cavani scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Monaco.[83] On 18 December, Cavani scored in PSG's 2–1 win over Orléans in the Coupe de La Ligue; this was his 15th goal all-time in the competition, tying Pauleta's record for most goals in the tournament.[84]

In April 2020, PSG were assigned the 2019–20 Ligue 1 title after the season was ended prematurely due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; at the time of the League's suspension, PSG were in first place, with a twelve–point lead over second-placed Marseille.[85] On 13 June, PSG's sporting director Leonardo revealed that Cavani would be leaving the club at the end of the Champions League campaign in August, alongside his teammate Thiago Silva.[86] However, it was later revealed that, unlike Silva, Cavani had refused a short-term two-month contract extension that would allow him to see out the rest of the delayed Champions League campaign (including the final), the Coupe de la Ligue final and the Coupe de France final, and he left the club upon the expiry of his original contract on 30 June.[87]

Manchester United

[edit]

2020–21: debut season and Europa League runner-up

[edit]

On 5 October 2020, Cavani joined Premier League club Manchester United on a one-year deal with an option to extend for a further year.[88][89] He was given the prestigious number 7 shirt.[90] On 24 October, he made his Premier League debut from the bench in a 0–0 draw against Chelsea.[91] On 7 November, Cavani scored his first goal in the Premier League in a 3–1 away win against Everton.[92] On 29 November, Cavani scored twice, including the winning goal in added time, in a 3–2 comeback win against Southampton after coming on as a half time substitute.[93]

Cavani playing for Manchester United in 2021

On 2 February 2021, he scored the fourth goal in United's Premier League record-equalling 9–0 win against Southampton.[94] On 29 April, he scored twice and assisted two more goals in a 6–2 home win over Roma in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals;[95] he scored another two in a 3–2 defeat in the return leg, which allowed United to advance to the final 8–5 on aggregate.[96] Across April, Cavani scored five goals and collected three man of the match award from four starts which lead to him winning his first Manchester United player of the month award.[97]

On 10 May, Cavani officially extended his stay for another season.[98] On 18 May, in an eventual 1–1 home draw against Fulham, Cavani scored the first goal at Old Trafford with fans in attendance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a 40-yard lob.[99] He was later awarded Premier League Goal of the Month for his effort.[100] On 26 May, he scored the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw against Villarreal in the Europa League Final; however, Manchester United lost eventually on penalties, despite Cavani netting his spot kick in the shoot-out.[101]

2021–22: final season in England

[edit]

Even though Cavani played his first match of the 2021–22 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the number 7 shirt, upon the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, he agreed to switch to the number 21 shirt, the same number he wears for the Uruguay national team.[102] He scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–0 away win on 30 October against Tottenham Hotspur, assisted by Ronaldo.[103]

On 22 May 2022, interim-manager Ralf Rangnick announced that Cavani would be leaving the club when his contract expired at the end of season.[104]

Valencia

[edit]

On 29 August 2022, Valencia announced the signing of Cavani with a two-year contract.[105] He made his debut in La Liga on 17 September by starting in a 3–0 home win over Celta Vigo; he had been under anaesthetic for six hours the day before, having caught his finger in the boot of his car while moving house.[106] On 15 October, he scored his first goals in a 2–2 draw with Elche also at the Mestalla Stadium.[107]

Cavani scored another two goals on 16 January 2023 in a 4–0 win away to Sporting Gijón in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.[108] These were his last goals for Valencia, ending his spell on 29 July with 28 games and 7 goals.[109]

Boca Juniors

[edit]
Cavani playing for Boca Juniors in 2023

On 29 July 2023, Cavani joined Boca Juniors on a free transfer and a deal running until December 2024.[110] Two days later, Boca Juniors presented him at an unveiling ceremony as their new signing.[111] On 9 August, he made his debut for the club in the 2023 Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against Nacional; ten days later he scored his first goal in a 3–1 home win over Platense in the Copa de la Liga Profesional.[112] On 6 October he opened a 1–1 draw with Palmeiras in the semi-finals of the Libertadores; in the ensuing penalty shootout he missed Boca's first attempt, though the Xeneizes still advanced.[113] He played in the 2–1 extra-time loss in the final to Fluminense at the Maracanã Stadium.[114]

On 3 March 2024, Cavani ended a goalscoring drought of nearly five months by netting a hat-trick in a 3–2 win over Belgrano de Córdoba in the Copa de la Liga Profesional.[115] In October, he extended his contract until the end of 2026. He told Olé that he wished to retire at Boca Juniors.[116]

International career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]

In January 2007, Cavani was selected to join the Uruguay national under-20 team to play in the 2007 South American Youth Championship in Paraguay.[117] He finished the tournament as top scorer with seven goals in nine games, helping Uruguay to finish in third place, thereby earning them a place in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Senior

[edit]
Cavani (right) with Stijn Schaars of the Netherlands in June 2011

2010 World Cup and 2011 Copa América

[edit]

On 6 February 2008, Cavani debuted for the Uruguayan senior team in a 2–2 draw against Colombia, scoring from his own area on the counterattack from a corner.[118] The same year on 22 June, in the final match of the group stage of the 2010 World Cup, Cavani set-up a goal for Luis Suárez in a 1–0 victory over Mexico.[119][120] Uruguay won Group A and advanced to the knockout stage.[119][120] On 10 July, he scored against Germany in the third place match to make the score 1–1; Germany went on to win 3–2.[121]

On 8 October 2010, Cavani scored his first international hat-trick in a 7–1 friendly victory against Indonesia, where Luis Suárez also scored a hat-trick.[122]

Cavani was included in the Uruguayan squad at the 2011 Copa América in Argentina. He started the first two group games, but a knee injury in the second game against Chile ruled him out until the final. In the final, he replaced Álvaro Pereira after 63 minutes, and was involved in his team's final goal as Uruguay beat Paraguay 3–0 won a record 15th title.[123]

2012 Olympics, 2013 Confederations Cup, and 2014 World Cup

[edit]
Cavani waiting to take a free-kick in the Round of 16 game against Colombia at the 2014 World Cup

Cavani was one of the three over-age players selected by Uruguay for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[124]

At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Cavani equalised in the semi-final against the hosts and eventual champions Brazil, who eventually won 2–1.[125] In the match for third place, he equalised twice against Italy, his second goal coming from a free kick, taking the game to penalties. Although Cavani scored his spot kick, Uruguay lost; he was named man of the match for his performance.[126]

On 13 November 2013, Cavani scored the last goal in Uruguay's 5–0 away win over Jordan in a play-off for the 2014 World Cup.[127] In their first group game of the finals, against Costa Rica in Fortaleza, Cavani opened the scoring with a penalty after Diego Lugano had been pulled down. Uruguay, however, eventually lost 3–1.[128] Uruguay were eliminated by Colombia, following a 2–0 defeat in the round of 16 on 28 June 2014.[129]

Post-World Cup

[edit]

With Suárez suspended for the entire tournament, Cavani was an undisputed starter for Uruguay at the 2015 Copa América in Chile. In the quarter-finals against the hosts at the Estadio Nacional, Cavani was sent off for two bookings: the first for a foul on Arturo Vidal, the second for flicking at Gonzalo Jara's face after Jara had poked him in the buttocks. The incident received almost immediate and prominent international coverage from newspapers and the internet, mostly in defence of Cavani. Massive coverage included articles, columns, blogs, memes and cartoons. Press in Australia drew comparisons to what the press referred to as "Hopoate", comparing it to a similar infamous onfield anus-poking incident from rugby.[130][131] Other massive international coverage of the incident came from China,[132] the United Kingdom,[133] France,[134] and the United States.[135] Internet coverage included Goal.com,[136] Business Insider,[137] ESPNFC,[138] Bleacher Report[139] The World Game,[140] The Huffington Post,[141] and Dirty Tackle.[142] Teammate Jorge Fucile was later also dismissed, and holders Uruguay were eliminated with a 1–0 defeat.[143] Cavani also took part in the Copa América Centenario the following year, but he once again went scoreless in the competition, as Uruguay were eliminated in the first round.[144][145][146]

In 2018, Uruguay participated in the China Cup. Cavani led Uruguay to the trophy by scoring the only goal in the final match against Wales.

2018 World Cup

[edit]
Cavani being helped off the field by Cristiano Ronaldo after Uruguay's win over Portugal at the 2018 World Cup

Cavani finished as the top scorer in the CONMEBOL 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, with 10 goals.[147] In March 2018, Cavani was part of the Uruguay squad that won the China Cup. He scored in the 2–0 semi-final win over the Czech Republic, and in the final he scored the only goal against Wales, his 100th cap.[148]

In his nation's final group game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 25 June, Cavani scored Uruguay's final goal in a 3–0 win over hosts Russia.[149] Cavani then went on to score both of Uruguay's goals against Portugal in a 2–1 victory in the Round of 16 on 30 June,[150] though he was withdrawn in the second-half with an apparent hamstring injury.[151][152] Because of his injury, he was ruled out of Uruguay's 2–0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals on 6 July.[153]

2019 Copa América

[edit]

In March 2019, manager Óscar Tabárez included Cavani in the final 23-man Uruguay squad for the 2019 Copa América in Brazil.[154] On 16 June, Cavani scored "an acrobatic bicycle-kick" in a 4–0 win over Ecuador in the team's opening group match of the tournament;[155] this was his first goal ever in the Copa América.[156] In the quarter-finals against Peru on 29 June, he had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in regulation time; following a 0–0 draw, the match went to a penalty shoot-out. Although Cavani was able to convert his spot-kick, Peru won the shoot-out 5–4, which saw Uruguay eliminated from the competition.[157]

Retirement

[edit]

On 30 May 2024, Cavani announced his retirement from the national team. His last match was in Uruguay's 2–0 victory over Ghana in the group stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, on 2 December.[158]

Style of play

[edit]
Cavani striking the ball for PSG in 2014

A quick, strong, opportunistic and prolific forward with good technique, and a tall, slender frame, Cavani is considered to be one of the greatest strikers of his generation, and has been described as a "modern striker".[159][160][161][162][163] Possessing an excellent first touch, intelligent movement off the ball, and clinical finishing, he is a well-rounded striker,[164][165][166] who is known for his ability to score impressive goals, both with his head and with his feet, and for his tireless work-rate and energy across the pitch, as well as his willingness to track back and help his team defensively; moreover, he is an athletic player, who is also strong in the air, and who has a penchant for scoring from acrobatic goals. He is also an accurate set-piece taker,[167][168][169][170][171] and is generally a competent penalty taker, even though his record from the spot has been inconsistent at times throughout his career.[172]

In addition to his goalscoring, he is also known for his ability to create space for his teammates.[173][174] However, despite being a prolific player, and having a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation,[162][166][175][176][177][178] he has been accused at times in the media of missing an excessive number of chances, and has also been criticised on occasion for his performances in important matches.[166][179] Although he primarily plays either as a centre forward or as a main striker, he is capable of playing in several offensive positions, and has also been deployed as a supporting striker or as a winger.[169][173][180][181] Writing for The Guardian in 2018, Jorge Valdano remarked upon "the generous endeavour of Cavani, a striker who covers the entire pitch".[182] Due to his composure in front of goal, Cavani was given the nickname "El Matador" ('The Bullfighter', in Spanish) during his time in Italy.[15][183] Despite his ability, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career.[184][185][186]

Like his idol, Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta, Cavani often celebrates scoring a goal by pretending to fire an imaginary machine gun; he has also celebrated goals by pretending to shoot a bow and arrow.[8][58][187][188][189]

Personal life

[edit]

Cavani was born in Salto, Uruguay on 14 February 1987 to Luis Cavani and Berta Gómez.[190][191] His elder brothers, striker Walter Guglielmone[192] and Christian Cavani, are also professional footballers.[193] Cavani holds an Italian passport as a result of playing in Italy and his Italian heritage; Cavani's paternal grandparents were originally from Maranello. In 1929, they migrated to Argentina and later to Montevideo.[194] Cavani is trilingual; he is fluent in Spanish, Italian and French.[195]

Cavani was married to Maria Soledad Cabris Yarrús, with whom he has two sons, born in 2011 and 2013.[196] In 2013, Cavani announced that he and his wife were to get a divorce, following a split between the two the year before.[197]

He is a devout Evangelical Christian.[198] As a child, Cavani idolised Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta.[188] Cavani also enjoys ballet dancing.[199]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 14 September 2025[200][201]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Danubio 2005–06 Uruguayan Primera División 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
2006–07 Uruguayan Primera División 15 5 0 0 — — — 15 5
Total 15 5 0 0 — — — 15 5
Palermo 2006–07 Serie A 7 2 — — — — 7 2
2007–08 Serie A 33 5 2 0 — 2[c] 0 — 37 5
2008–09 Serie A 35 14 1 1 — — — 36 15
2009–10 Serie A 34 13 3 2 — — — 37 15
Total 109 34 6 3 — 2 0 — 117 37
Napoli 2010–11 Serie A 35 26 2 0 — 10[d] 7 — 47 33
2011–12 Serie A 35 23 5 5 — 8[e] 5 — 48 33
2012–13 Serie A 34 29 1 1 — 7[d] 7 1[f] 1 43 38
Total 104 78 8 6 — 25 19 1 1 138 104
Paris Saint-Germain 2013–14 Ligue 1 30 16 2 1 3 4 8[e] 4 0 0 43 25
2014–15 Ligue 1 35 18 4 4 3 3 10[e] 6 1[g] 0 53 31
2015–16 Ligue 1 32 19 5 2 4 1 10[e] 2 1[g] 1 52 25
2016–17 Ligue 1 36 35 3 2 3 4 8[e] 8 0 0 50 49
2017–18 Ligue 1 32 28 5 3 2 2 8[e] 7 1[g] 0 48 40
2018–19 Ligue 1 21 18 3 2 2 1 7[e] 2 0 0 33 23
2019–20 Ligue 1 14 4 2 2 2 0 3[e] 1 1[g] 0 22 7
Total 200 138 24 16 19 15 54 30 4 1 301 200
Manchester United 2020–21 Premier League 26 10 3 0 1 1 9[h] 6 — 39 17
2021–22 Premier League 15 2 1 0 0 0 4[e] 0 — 20 2
Total 41 12 4 0 1 1 13 6 — 59 19
Valencia 2022–23 La Liga 25 5 2 2 — — 1[i] 0 28 7
Boca Juniors 2023 Argentine Primera División 8 1 2 1 — 6[j] 1 — 16 3
2024 Argentine Primera División 29 11 4 4 — 6[k] 5 — 39 20
2025 Argentine Primera División 18 3 1 1 — 1[j] 0 1[l] 0 21 4
Total 55 15 7 6 — 13 6 1 0 76 27
Career total 529 279 51 33 40 24 107 61 7 2 734 399

Notes

  1. ^ Includes Coppa Italia, Coupe de France, FA Cup, Copa del Rey, Copa Argentina
  2. ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue, EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  6. ^ Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
  7. ^ a b c d Appearance in Trophée des Champions
  8. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances and six goals in UEFA Europa League
  9. ^ Appearance in Supercopa de España
  10. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores
  11. ^ Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
  12. ^ Appearance in FIFA Club World Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[202]
National team Year Apps Goals
Uruguay 2008 4 1
2009 8 0
2010 12 7
2011 12 2
2012 9 3
2013 15 7
2014 10 4
2015 8 4
2016 11 9
2017 9 3
2018 11 6
2019 7 4
2020 2 1
2021 8 2
2022 10 5
Total 136 58
Scores and results list Uruguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cavani goal.
List of international goals scored by Edinson Cavani[202]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 6 February 2008 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Colombia 1–2 2–2 Friendly
2 3 March 2010 AFG Arena, St. Gallen, Switzerland   Switzerland 3–1 3–1 Friendly
3 10 July 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa  Germany 1–1 2–3 2010 FIFA World Cup
4 11 August 2010 Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon, Portugal  Angola 1–0 2–0 Friendly
5 8 October 2010 Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia  Indonesia 1–1 7–1 Friendly
6 6–1
7 7–1
8 12 October 2010 Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, Wuhan, China  China 2–0 4–0 Friendly
9 30 March 2011 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Republic of Ireland 2–1 3–2 Friendly
10 7 October 2011 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Bolivia 3–1 4–2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 29 February 2012 Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania  Romania 1–0 1–1 Friendly
12 11 September 2012 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Ecuador 1–1 1–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
13 14 November 2012 PGE Arena Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland  Poland 2–0 3–1 Friendly
14 12 June 2013 Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela  Venezuela 1–0 1–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
15 26 June 2013 Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil  Brazil 1–1 1–2 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
16 30 June 2013 Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil  Italy 1–1 2–2 (a.e.t.) 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
17 2–2
18 10 September 2013 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Colombia 1–0 2–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
19 15 October 2013 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Argentina 3–2 3–2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 13 November 2013 Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan  Jordan 5–0 5–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
21 4 June 2014 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Slovenia 1–0 2–0 Friendly
22 14 June 2014 Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza, Brazil  Costa Rica 1–0 1–3 2014 FIFA World Cup
23 5 September 2014 Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan  Japan 1–0 2–0 Friendly
24 13 November 2014 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Costa Rica 3–2 3–3 Friendly
25 28 March 2015 Stade Adrar, Agadir, Morocco  Morocco 1–0 1–0 Friendly
26 6 June 2015 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Guatemala 2–0 5–1 Friendly
27 3–0
28 12 November 2015 Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador  Ecuador 1–1 1–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
29 25 March 2016 Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil  Brazil 1–2 2–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
30 29 March 2016 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Peru 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
31 27 May 2016 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Trinidad and Tobago 1–1 3–1 Friendly
32 2–1
33 6 September 2016 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Paraguay 1–0 4–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
34 4–0
35 6 October 2016 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Venezuela 2–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
36 3–0
37 15 November 2016 Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile  Chile 1–0 1–3 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
38 23 March 2017 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Brazil 1–0 1–4 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
39 10 October 2017 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Bolivia 2–1 4–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
40 14 November 2017 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria  Austria 1–1 1–2 Friendly
41 23 March 2018 Guangxi Sports Center, Nanning, China  Czech Republic 2–0 2–0 2018 China Cup
42 26 March 2018 Guangxi Sports Center, Nanning, China  Wales 1–0 1–0 2018 China Cup
43 25 June 2018 Cosmos Arena, Samara, Russia  Russia 3–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup
44 30 June 2018 Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, Russia  Portugal 1–0 2–1 2018 FIFA World Cup
45 2–1
46 16 October 2018 Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan  Japan 2–2 3–4 Friendly
47 16 June 2019 Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil  Ecuador 2–0 4–0 2019 Copa América
48 24 June 2019 Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  Chile 1–0 1–0 2019 Copa América
49 15 November 2019 Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary  Hungary 1–0 2–1 Friendly
50 18 November 2019 Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv, Israel  Argentina 1–0 2–2 Friendly
51 13 November 2020 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia  Colombia 1–0 3–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
52 24 June 2021 Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, Brazil  Bolivia 2–0 2–0 2021 Copa América
53 28 June 2021 Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  Paraguay 1–0 1–0 2021 Copa América
54 1 February 2022 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Venezuela 3–0 4–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
55 2 June 2022 State Farm Stadium, Glendale, United States  Mexico 2–0 3–0 Friendly
56 3–0
57 11 June 2022 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay  Panama 1–0 5–0 Friendly
58 2–0

Honours

[edit]
Cavani holding the Coupe de la Ligue after PSG's win in 2014

Danubio[200]

Napoli[200]

Paris Saint-Germain[200]

Manchester United

Boca Juniors

Uruguay[200]

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Edinson Cavani

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Edinson Roberto Cavani Gómez (born 14 February 1987) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a striker for club , which he joined in July 2023, and captains the club. He is a former international, having retired in May 2024 with 136 caps and 58 goals, second behind . Born in , Cavani began his senior career with Danubio in 2005, helping the club win the in 2007, before transferring to Italian club in 2007 for a reported €4.5 million. Over three seasons with , he made 109 appearances and scored 34 goals in and other competitions, emerging as a prolific forward known for his work rate, aerial ability, and finishing. In 2010, he joined Napoli on a €12.5 million deal, where he thrived as the team's focal point, scoring 78 goals in 104 appearances across all competitions and leading the club to the in 2012 while finishing as 's top scorer in 2012–13 with 29 goals. Cavani's €64 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 marked the peak of his club career in Europe, where he became the club's second-highest all-time scorer with 200 goals in 301 appearances, including 138 in . During his seven-year tenure at PSG, he won six titles (2013–14 to 2017–18), four , five , and four , while earning top scorer honors in 2016–17 with 35 goals. After leaving PSG as a in 2020, he signed with Manchester United, scoring 19 goals in 56 appearances over 18 months, followed by spells at (2022–2023, 28 appearances, 7 goals). On the international stage, Cavani debuted for in 2008 and represented the country at four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), scoring three goals in total, and was instrumental in their victory, scoring one goal en route to the title. Earlier, Cavani won the in 2007, scoring eight goals to claim the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. At , as of September 2025, he has made 76 appearances and scored 27 goals, while preparing for the .

Early life

Family and upbringing

Edinson Cavani was born on 14 February 1987 in Salto, the second-largest city in , to parents Luis Cavani and Berta Gómez. His family maintained working-class roots, with his parents often occupied by daily labors that underscored the modest circumstances of their household in the riverside city. Salto's environment, marked by its proximity to the and community-oriented lifestyle, provided a nurturing backdrop for Cavani's early years, where familial encouragement played a key role in fostering his initial athletic interests. The Cavani family traces its heritage to Italian immigrants, with Cavani's paternal grandparents having emigrated from to , contributing to his dual cultural identity and later acquisition of Italian citizenship. This ancestry, emphasized by his father, instilled a deep appreciation for Italian football traditions from a young age. Cavani's father, an amateur footballer himself, briefly influenced his son's budding passion for the sport through shared family discussions and exposure to the game. Cavani grew up alongside his older brother Christian Cavani, who also pursued a career in football as a defender, and half-brother , a former professional striker who later became his agent. The siblings' shared involvement in football reflected the family's collective support for athletic endeavors, despite the challenges of their socioeconomic background, helping to shape Cavani's disciplined approach to physical pursuits during childhood.

Introduction to football and youth development

Edinson Cavani's introduction to football began in the streets of Salto, Uruguay, where he spent much of his childhood playing informal games with local kids, honing his skills in a neighborhood known for fostering raw talent. Cavani began playing football at the age of three. Before moving to Danubio, he played for several youth teams in Salto, including Club Nacional (Salto), Club Peñarol (Salto), Club Remeros (Salto), Club Salto Uruguay, and Club Ferro Carril (Salto), making his senior debut for Salto Uruguay at age 14 under his father's coaching. During these early years, Cavani idolized Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta, studying his powerful shooting style and aggressive play to emulate in his own game. This street football environment, supported by his family's encouragement, laid the foundation for his passion and initial technical development. Cavani enrolled in local football academies in Salto, starting with the Nacional Academy, where he participated in under-seven matches and structured training sessions. These programs provided his first formal coaching, focusing on basic skills and team play, which helped transition him from casual street games to organized youth competition. At age 12 in 1999, Cavani moved to to join the youth academy of , progressing through various age-group teams over the subsequent five years. This period marked significant growth in his physical and tactical abilities, as he adapted to more competitive environments and overcame initial homesickness. His performances in Danubio's youth setup culminated in his first international youth call-up in January 2007 for the under-20 team, ahead of the South American Youth Championship in .

Club career

Danubio (2005–2007)

Cavani signed his first professional contract with Danubio in 2005 at the age of 17, having progressed through the club's youth academy since 2000. He made his debut in the on 22 May 2005 against Liverpool Montevideo. In the 2005–06 season, Cavani featured in 9 appearances and scored 4 goals for Danubio in the league, aiding the team to a third-place finish in the standings. The following 2006–07 season saw Cavani take on a prominent role in Danubio's campaign, where he netted 5 goals across 10 matches, notably including one against Grêmio in the group stage. His performances attracted interest from European clubs, leading to his transfer to in January for a reported fee of €4.5 million.

Palermo (2007–2010)

Edinson Cavani joined club on January 29, , transferring from Uruguayan side for a reported fee of €4.5 million following his standout performances at the 2007 South American U-20 Championship. Cavani made his competitive debut for Palermo on March 11, 2007, in a 1–1 home Serie A draw against Fiorentina, entering as a substitute in the 55th minute and scoring the equalizing goal with a long-range strike just 15 minutes later. During the 2007–08 season, he adapted to European football amid competition for places with established forwards like Amauri, making 33 appearances in Serie A and scoring 5 goals, with all goals coming in league play across a total of 37 matches in all competitions. Palermo finished 11th in the league that year, as Cavani's contributions were limited by his role in a crowded attacking lineup. The 2008–09 campaign marked Cavani's breakthrough at , particularly after Amauri's departure to Juventus in June 2008, which allowed him to secure a regular starting position. He formed a prolific striking partnership with , with the duo combining for 28 goals in —Cavani netting 14 in 35 appearances and Miccoli matching that tally—helping Palermo achieve their highest-ever league finish of 8th place and qualification for the . Across all competitions, Cavani scored 15 goals in 36 matches, showcasing his pace, work rate, and clinical finishing as a versatile forward. In the 2009–10 season, Cavani continued his development under manager and later Delio Rossi, scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances and adding 2 more in the for a total of 15 goals in 37 games. His performances were instrumental in Palermo's strong mid-table campaign, including notable wins over title challengers like and Juventus, as the team finished 5th and returned to European competition. On , 2010, amid interest from several clubs, Cavani transferred to Napoli on an initial deal with an obligation to buy for €12.5 million, ending his Palermo tenure where he had scored 34 goals in 109 matches overall.

Napoli (2010–2013)

In July 2010, Napoli secured Edinson Cavani on an initial loan from with an obligation to buy for a total fee of €12.5 million, marking his permanent transfer to the club. He quickly adapted to life in , forming a potent attacking partnership with and under manager . During the 2010–11 season, Cavani made his European debut in the and emerged as one of Serie A's most dangerous forwards, scoring 26 goals in 35 league appearances to finish second in the top scorer standings behind Antonio Di Natale's 28. Across all competitions, he netted 33 goals in 47 matches, including seven in the (qualifying and group stages), helping Napoli secure a fifth-place finish and qualification for the Champions League. The 2011–12 campaign saw Cavani's influence grow further as Napoli reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where he scored five goals in eight games, including a brace in a memorable 3–1 victory over Manchester City. Domestically, he contributed five goals in the —capping the run with the opening penalty in the 2–0 final win over Juventus—and added 23 strikes, totaling 33 goals in 48 appearances as Napoli finished fifth. Cavani reached his peak in 2012–13, leading with 29 goals in 34 matches to claim the award and setting a club record for league goals in a single season. He scored 38 goals overall in 43 games, including seven in the group stage, powering Napoli to second place in and earning individual recognition in the Team of the Year. His prolific form attracted interest from Real Madrid, who held talks with his representatives and were prepared to activate his €63 million release clause, but Cavani ultimately remained loyal to the club for that season. Over three seasons at Napoli, Cavani scored 104 goals in 138 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as the club's all-time leading foreign scorer and a key figure in their resurgence as a competitive force in Italian football.

Paris Saint-Germain (2013–2020)

Edinson Cavani transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in July 2013 for a French record fee of €64 million, signing a five-year contract and joining in attack. In his debut season of 2013–14, Cavani adapted to by scoring 25 goals across 43 appearances in all competitions, contributing to PSG's domestic quadruple of , , , and . From 2014 to 2016, Cavani formed a potent frontline with Ibrahimović, scoring 56 goals over two seasons while PSG secured back-to-back domestic quadruples, dominating French football with consistent title wins. His goal-scoring prowess peaked in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons, where he netted 49 and 40 goals respectively, earning top scorer honors both years and the Player of the Year award in 2016–17 for his 35 league strikes. He also received the 2018 award, recognizing his career achievements as an active player over 28. The arrival of and in 2017 created a formidable front three with Cavani, enhancing PSG's attacking options despite occasional positional tensions, as the team continued its domestic success with additional quadruples in 2016–17 and 2017–18. In the later years of 2018–20, Cavani added 30 more goals in 55 appearances amid injuries, helping PSG reach the final in 2019–20 after defeating 3–0 in the semi-finals, though he had limited involvement due to fitness issues. Over his seven-year stint, Cavani became PSG's all-time leading scorer with 200 goals in 301 appearances, but departed as a in August 2020 following contract expiration and ongoing disputes over his role and future.

Manchester United (2020–2022)

On 5 October 2020, Edinson Cavani joined Manchester United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further year, making 2020–21 his first season with the club. The 33-year-old Uruguayan forward brought extensive experience from , where he had scored over 200 goals, to bolster United's attacking options during a season disrupted by the . His arrival was seen as a low-risk move to add depth and finishing prowess to a squad relying heavily on young talents like and . Cavani made his debut for Manchester United on 7 November 2020, coming off the bench in a match against Everton at . He marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for the club in the 97th minute, sealing a 3-1 comeback victory with a clinical finish assisted by . This debut goal exemplified his poaching instincts and set the tone for his integration into the team, despite an initial delay due to protocols following international duty. During the 2020–21 season, Cavani emerged as a vital contributor, scoring 17 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. His goals included memorable strikes such as a spectacular long-range lob against in a 4-2 win on 13 May 2021, which earned him the league's Goal of the Month award, and a diving header in a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur the previous month. Cavani's work rate and hold-up play added a new dimension to United's attack, allowing wingers more space and enabling effective link-up with midfield creators. A standout aspect of Cavani's tenure was his partnership with Bruno Fernandes, who provided assists for several of his goals, including the debut strike against Everton and key moments in European fixtures. Fernandes later praised Cavani's "champion mentality" and positioning, noting how the striker's movement created opportunities in high-pressure games. This synergy was particularly evident in United's run to the UEFA Europa League final, where Cavani scored six goals in 11 matches, including the equalizing header in the 55th minute of the 1-1 draw against Villarreal on 26 May 2021. Despite his contribution, United lost the final 11-10 on penalties in one of the longest shootouts in UEFA history, denying Cavani a chance to win the competition during his debut campaign. Impressed by his impact, Manchester United extended Cavani's contract by one year on 10 May 2021, securing his services until June 2022. The 2021–22 season proved more challenging, as injuries limited him to 20 appearances and just two goals across all competitions. Calf and other issues sidelined him for extended periods, including absences during the early matches and Champions League group stage. Nevertheless, Cavani produced moments of quality when fit, such as his composed finish in a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on 30 October 2021, assisted by , and a brace in a 2-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys in November. Over his two seasons at Manchester United, Cavani made 59 appearances and scored 19 goals, providing crucial depth during a transitional period for the club. His professionalism and scoring efficiency, particularly in Europe, earned praise from manager , who highlighted Cavani's adaptation to the Premier League's intensity despite his age. With his contract expiring, Cavani departed as a in June 2022, reflecting fondly on his time at in a farewell interview where he expressed gratitude for the fans and teammates.

Valencia (2022–2023)

On 29 August 2022, announced the signing of Edinson Cavani on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester United, agreeing to a two-year contract until June 2024. The 35-year-old Uruguayan forward brought extensive experience from top European leagues to a side struggling in , where he was expected to bolster the attack amid early-season difficulties. Cavani made his debut for Valencia on 17 September 2022, starting in a 3–0 home victory over in . He marked his first goals for the club with a brace on 15 October 2022 during a 2–2 draw against at , showcasing his aerial prowess and finishing in a match against a direct relegation rival. Throughout the 2022–23 season, Cavani featured in 28 official matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists while accumulating 1,459 minutes in alone. His contributions included additional strikes against Osasuna, Cádiz (where he netted twice in a 4–0 win on 16 January 2023), and again in April, helping to stabilize Valencia's forward line. Cavani formed an effective attacking partnership with , the young Spanish striker who led Valencia's scoring with 15 La Liga goals that season; frequently combined in the front line, with Cavani's hold-up play and poaching complementing Duro's movement and pace during key fixtures. His goals proved crucial in Valencia's late-season surge to avoid relegation, as the team climbed from the drop zone to finish 18th on the final day with a 1–1 draw against , securing survival by just two points. Cavani's experience and work rate were highlighted as factors in steadying the squad during a turbulent campaign marked by off-field issues and managerial changes.

Boca Juniors (2023–present)

After terminating his contract with Valencia, Edinson Cavani joined on a free transfer on 29 July 2023, signing an initial 18-month deal until December 2024 with one of the highest salaries in Argentine football, estimated at 1.5–3 million USD net annually per journalistic reports. In October 2024, the club extended his contract through to December 2026, reflecting his growing importance to the squad. Cavani made his debut for on 9 August 2023, coming on as a substitute in a round-of-16 match against Nacional, where he played 71 minutes in a 0-0 draw. His league debut followed on 18 August 2023 against Platense in the , during which he scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory, marking an impactful start at . In the 2023–24 season, Cavani contributed 14 goals across 40 appearances in all competitions, aiding ' campaigns in the —where they finished second—and the , though the team exited in the round of 16. By the 2024–25 season up to November 2025, he had added goals to reach overall totals of 27 goals in 76 appearances at the club, playing a pivotal role in securing qualification for the through Boca's strong continental ranking. Throughout his tenure, Cavani faced challenges adapting to the high-intensity physicality of Argentine football, compounded by occasional injuries that limited his availability, such as muscle issues in late 2023 and early 2024. Despite these hurdles, he earned widespread acclaim from fans as "El Matador," embracing his role as a prolific finisher and leader in attack, with his work rate and aerial prowess resonating in the passionate Boca environment.

International career

Youth career (2006–2008)

Cavani began his international youth career with the Uruguay under-20 team in 2006, marking the start of his rapid rise in age-group football. His breakthrough came at the 2007 South American U-20 Championship in Paraguay, where he emerged as the tournament's top scorer with seven goals in nine appearances, playing a pivotal role in Uruguay's third-place finish and securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In the subsequent held in , Cavani delivered a standout performance, scoring two goals in the group stage (against and )—helping advance to the round of 16, where they lost 2–1 to the in extra time (Cavani assisted 's goal). Cavani's dynamic play alongside teammate drew widespread attention from European scouts. During the 2008 in , which served as the qualifying competition for the Olympics, Cavani received call-ups to the Uruguay under-23 squad, gaining valuable exposure among senior prospects despite limited playing time and no goals in his appearances. Over his youth international tenure from 2006 to 2008, primarily with the U-20 side, Cavani amassed 11 goals in 14 caps, performances that accelerated his transition to professional European football and solidified his reputation as a promising goalscorer.

Senior career: Early years (2008–2011)

Cavani made his senior international debut for on 6 February 2008, in a friendly match against that ended in a 2–2 draw; he came on as a substitute in the 75th minute and scored the equalizing goal three minutes later with a long-range strike from his own half. This appearance marked the 21-year-old's transition from promising performances to the senior setup, where he quickly impressed with his finishing ability. In the held in , Cavani featured in all seven of Uruguay's matches as they advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970. He started every game, contributing defensively and in attack, and scored his lone tournament goal in the third-place match against on 10 July, opening the scoring in a 2–3 defeat that saw Uruguay finish fourth overall. Uruguay's campaign included a round-of-16 victory over on penalties after a 1–1 draw, but they were eliminated in the semi-finals by the . Cavani was part of Uruguay's squad for the in , where he started the first two group-stage matches but suffered a in the second game against , limiting his involvement thereafter. Despite playing only 150 minutes across three appearances without scoring, he contributed to Uruguay's successful campaign, coming off the bench in the final on 24 July, which they won 3–0 against to claim their 15th continental title. Over this early senior period from 2008 to 2011, Cavani earned 25 caps and scored 9 goals, solidifying his role as a regular starter alongside forwards like and .

Senior career: Rise to prominence (2012–2014)

Cavani was selected as one of three over-age players for Uruguay's squad at the in London, joining and to bolster the team's experience. He started all three group stage matches in Group A, but the team failed to advance, recording a 2-1 victory over the , a 2-0 defeat to despite playing against 10 men for most of the game, and a 1-0 loss to . Cavani did not score during the tournament, but his presence alongside highlighted Uruguay's attacking potential on the international stage. The following year, Cavani played a starring role in Uruguay's campaign at the in , where the team reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1956. In the group stage, Uruguay drew 1-1 with and lost 2-1 to , with Cavani starting both matches without finding the net. They advanced as runners-up in the group before falling 2-1 to hosts in the semi-final, where Forlán scored Uruguay's lone goal. Cavani redeemed the run by scoring twice in the third-place match against , equalizing at 1-1 with a free-kick in the 58th minute and adding a second from a rebound in the 78th minute to force a 2-2 draw, though Uruguay lost 3-2 on penalties to claim bronze. Cavani's prominence peaked at the in , where he emerged as a key figure in 's unexpected run to the quarter-finals. In the opening group match against , he started but Uruguay lost 3-1, with Suárez scoring their only goal. Against , Cavani netted the winner in a 2-1 victory, finishing a cross from Suárez in the 84th minute to secure three vital points. However, during a collision with England's in that game, Cavani sustained a partially torn collarbone ligament in his left hand, forcing him to undergo and miss the final group game. Uruguay still advanced from Group D with a 1-0 win over , courtesy of a header. In the round of 16, Cavani watched from the sidelines as Suárez scored twice in a 2-1 upset over . He returned as a second-half substitute in the quarter-final against but could not prevent a 1-0 defeat, marking the end of Uruguay's tournament. Over the 2012–2014 period, Cavani solidified his status as a cornerstone of Uruguay's attack, earning vice-captaincy under coach Óscar Tabárez and accumulating 30 caps while scoring 14 goals in senior internationals. His contributions in major tournaments underscored his evolution into one of South America's premier forwards, blending goalscoring instinct with tireless work rate.

Senior career: Peak years (2015–2018)

During the 2015 Copa América in Chile, Edinson Cavani emerged as Uruguay's primary forward in the absence of the suspended Luis Suárez, starting all four group and knockout matches. Uruguay advanced from Group C with a 3-1 victory over Jamaica, a 1-0 win against Peru, and a 0-0 draw with Venezuela, showcasing Cavani's pressing and link-up play in the attack despite not finding the net. The tournament ended in disappointment in the quarter-finals against hosts Chile, where Cavani was sent off in the 62nd minute after reacting to provocation from defender Gonzalo Jara, who was later banned for three matches; reduced to nine men following a second red card to José María Giménez, Uruguay lost 1-0 to a late Mauricio Isla strike, eliminating them from the competition. The following year at the Copa América Centenario in the United States, Cavani retained his central role, starting all four fixtures as competed in a challenging . The team suffered a surprise 1-0 opening defeat to , followed by a 3-1 loss to , but secured a 1-0 win over to advance as runners-up; Cavani's tireless work rate and hold-up play were vital, though he remained goalless. In the quarter-final against , a goalless draw led to a , where Cavani converted his spot-kick but fell 4-2, marking another early exit and highlighting the team's struggles without clinical finishing. Cavani's international form reached its zenith at the in , where he contributed decisively to 's run to the quarter-finals. In the group stage, he netted the insurance goal in stoppage time during a 3-0 victory over hosts —his first World Cup goal since 2014—after goals from and an own goal by . followed with 1-0 wins over and to top , with Cavani's movement and aerial presence key to the defensive solidity. In the round of 16 against , Cavani scored both goals in a memorable 2-1 triumph, striking in the 62nd minute from a error and sealing the win with a long-range volley in the 89th minute, overshadowing Cristiano Ronaldo's earlier equalizer. However, he suffered a calf injury late in that match, sidelining him for the quarter-final 2-0 defeat ; his and scoring prowess were widely lauded, with coach Óscar Tabárez crediting him for inspiring the squad's cohesive performance. Over the peak years from 2015 to 2018, Cavani amassed 50 caps and 22 goals for , including a leading 10 goals in 2018 World Cup qualifying, which propelled the team to the tournament. This period elevated his overall tally to more than 100 appearances by the end of 2018, cementing his legacy as one of 's all-time greats alongside figures like .

Senior career: Later years and retirement (2019–2024)

In the in , Cavani played in all four of Uruguay's matches as they advanced to the quarter-finals. He scored twice during the group stage, netting a powerful long-range strike in the 4–0 victory over on 16 and a late header in the 1–0 win against on 24 , which secured top spot in Group C. Uruguay were eliminated in the quarter-finals by after a 0–0 draw, losing 4–5 on penalties, with Cavani starting but unable to find the net in extra time. Cavani's involvement in the 2021 Copa América, hosted by , was hampered by . He featured in five matches, starting the first three group games and scoring Uruguay's second goal in the 2–0 win over on 24 June with a clinical finish from a low cross. A sustained during the 1–1 draw with on 21 June limited his mobility, leading to him being substituted at halftime in the quarter-final against , where Uruguay lost 0–0 (2–4 on penalties) after extra time. He missed the semi-final defeat to as a result. During the CONMEBOL 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from 2019 to 2022, Cavani made 17 appearances and scored five goals, including strikes against Peru, Venezuela, and Chile, contributing to Uruguay's third-place finish and direct qualification. His efforts in the later stages of the campaign, such as a goal in the 3–0 home win over Peru in September 2021, underscored his enduring importance despite occasional injury absences. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cavani started all three group stage fixtures for Uruguay in Group H. He came close to scoring in the 0–0 draw against South Korea on 24 November but was denied by a fingertip save, and played the full 90 minutes in the 2–0 loss to Portugal on 28 November before being substituted early in the 3–2 victory over Ghana on 2 December due to an ankle injury. Uruguay's failure to advance from the group marked a disappointing end to their campaign, with Cavani's physical presence notable but without goals. In 2023, as Uruguay began their qualifying campaign, Cavani remained a squad regular despite turning 36 and dealing with club-related injuries at . He appeared in seven matches that year, scoring twice—including a header in the 2–0 win over in September—and provided leadership alongside , helping Uruguay to a strong start with wins and draws in the early rounds. His final international phase reflected a transition to a more rotational role, prioritizing experience over starting berths amid emerging talents. Cavani announced his retirement from international football in May 2024, concluding a career with 136 caps and 58 goals for Uruguay, second only to Suárez's tally; no formal farewell match was arranged, though his contributions were honored by the . He has not returned to international duty as of November 2025.

Playing style

Technical attributes and goalscoring

Edinson Cavani is widely regarded as an exceptional finisher, proficient with both feet, headers, and volleys, which has been a hallmark of his career as a forward. His clinical finishing is evidenced by a career conversion rate of approximately 20.3% across major , allowing him to maximize opportunities in the . At Paris Saint-Germain, 93% of his goals were scored from inside the six-yard box, often with powerful, low-backlift strikes that maintain control even at full sprint. Cavani's ambidexterity enables him to finish effectively from various angles, using either foot for precise placements or driven shots, contributing to his reputation as a penalty-box predator. This technical prowess extends to volleys, where his timing and balance allow for one-touch finishes under pressure. His ability to convert chances has been particularly notable in high-stakes environments, underscoring his reliability as a goalscorer. In terms of aerial dominance, Cavani's of 1.84 meters combined with his impeccable timing in the has resulted in over 50 headed goals throughout his career. He excels at attacking crosses with clever near-post runs, outmaneuvering defenders through positioning and acceleration. This aerial threat complements his overall finishing, making him a versatile option in set-piece situations. Cavani also demonstrates strong dribbling skills to retain possession, using his physical frame to shield the ball and roll markers, which often creates shooting lanes or passing opportunities. His link-up play is characterized by excellent hold-up ability, particularly with his back to goal, enabling him to assist teammates effectively—as seen in his 43 assists during his PSG tenure. At Napoli and PSG, he frequently dropped deep to combine with midfielders and wingers, facilitating fluid attacking transitions. Additionally, Cavani possesses notable accuracy from free-kicks and long-range shots, with six direct free-kick goals in his career, including a stunning 35-yard strike in the 2013 World Cup playoff against . These set-piece contributions highlight his technical precision beyond open play, adding another dimension to his goalscoring arsenal. His work rate further enhances these technical attributes by ensuring he is frequently positioned to exploit such opportunities.

Work rate and versatility

Edinson Cavani is renowned for his exceptional work rate, particularly his high-intensity pressing that has been integral to team defenses throughout his career. Nicknamed "El Matador" during his time at Napoli for his commanding presence and relentless energy, Cavani frequently tracked back to initiate presses from the front, making him a pivotal figure in Saint-Germain's high-pressing system under managers like . At Manchester United, his defensive contributions were highlighted by an average speed of 6.67 kilometers per hour—15% faster than teammate Martial's—allowing him to disrupt opposition build-up play effectively. Cavani's versatility has enabled him to adapt seamlessly across forward roles, from central striker to second striker and wide forward, enhancing his value in various tactical setups. During his international career with , he was often deployed on the wings to exploit channels, showcasing his ability to contribute both centrally and from wider positions. At Manchester United, this flexibility allowed him to shift roles, supporting wingers like by occupying central spaces and creating opportunities through intelligent movement. His adaptability extended to accommodating star teammates, as seen in his wider role at times to fit alongside players like and at PSG. A hallmark of Cavani's team ethic is his willingness to prioritize collective success over individual glory, often sacrificing scoring chances to provide assists in high-profile attacking trios. At PSG, he formed part of the "Neymar-Mbappé-Edinson" frontline, where his unselfish play contributed to 43 assists across 301 appearances, underlining his role as a despite competition for goals. This selflessness extended to his overall career, amassing over 50 assists while emphasizing teamwork, as he described himself as a "football worker" focused on team wins. Cavani's endurance is evident in his average distance covered of over 11 kilometers per match, reflecting a tireless engine that sustained his performance into his mid-30s. Despite facing injury challenges in his later career, including issues and muscle strains at Manchester United and beyond, he demonstrated resilience through dedicated rehabilitation, often returning stronger to contribute meaningfully, such as during international duties and stints at and .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Edinson Cavani married his childhood sweetheart, Maria Soledad Cabris Yarrús, in 2007. The couple welcomed their first son, , on March 22, 2011, followed by their second son, Lucas, on March 8, 2013. Despite the joys of parenthood, their marriage faced strains from Cavani's demanding professional commitments, including his high-profile transfers and international duties. In 2013, Cavani announced his separation from Cabris Yarrús, with the finalized the following year; reports at the time cited allegations and the pressures of his career as contributing factors. Post-divorce, Cavani has maintained an active role in co-parenting his sons, often bringing Bautista and Lucas to his matches and training sessions to foster their involvement in football. Following the , Cavani began a relationship with model Burgardt in 2014. The couple has two children together: a daughter, , born on May 17, 2019, and a son, Silvestre, born on June 4, 2021. The divorce drew public attention in when Cabris Yarrús spoke out in media interviews, describing Cavani as "unrecognizable" and accusing him of , which added to the scrutiny on his amid a dip in his on-field form. Since then, Cavani has prioritized keeping his family life private, rarely sharing details beyond occasional family photos on that highlight his bond with his children.

Religion and philanthropy

Edinson Cavani is a devout Evangelical Christian who has openly discussed the role of faith in his life. He embraced Christianity during his early professional years and has described himself as "an athlete for Christ," emphasizing that he plays to honor his beliefs. Cavani has credited his faith with providing strength and resilience amid career challenges, stating in interviews that belief in God helps turn difficult situations around. Cavani expresses his faith publicly through actions such as wearing "I belong to Jesus" T-shirts beneath his match jerseys and sharing Bible references on social media. His family has played a supportive role in his spiritual journey, reinforcing the values that guide his personal and professional conduct. In , Cavani has demonstrated generosity beyond football, notably donating funds in to cover emergency surgery for the daughter of Uruguayan Rafa Cotelo, who faced a chronic illness requiring immediate and costly treatment in . He has also supported community initiatives in his hometown of Salto, including financial aid to families and neighbors in need, as well as participation in social projects for underprivileged youth. During the , Cavani contributed to efforts in by promoting vaccination and supporting health workers, aligning with campaigns by the to encourage immunization amid the crisis. Additionally, Cavani has advocated against in football, explicitly stating his opposition to it following a 2020 social media controversy where he apologized for using a term that was misinterpreted as offensive, reaffirming his commitment to combating .

Career statistics

Club statistics

Edinson Cavani has amassed 740 appearances and 400 goals across his club career in all competitions as of November 2025, along with 81 assists, 99 yellow cards, and 3 red cards. The following table provides a breakdown of his statistics by club, encompassing all domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed Cards
Danubio2005–20073917330
2007–2010107347150
Napoli2010–201313810414251
Paris Saint-Germain2013–202030020043271
Manchester United2020–20225619760
2021–2022286240
2022–2023255270
2023–202547153121
Total74040081993
These figures highlight Cavani's prolific output, particularly during his stints in and , where he contributed the majority of his goals. Cavani's seasonal statistics demonstrate consistent performance across competitions. For instance, in the 2012–13 season with Napoli, he scored 29 goals in 34 league appearances, earning the top scorer award, while adding 5 goals in cup and European matches. At Paris Saint-Germain, his peak came in 2016–17 with 49 goals in 48 total appearances (35 in , 8 in Champions League, 6 in cups), followed by 40 goals in 45 appearances the next season (28 in ). Later, in 2020–21 at Manchester United, he netted 17 goals in 44 appearances across , Europa League, and cups. In his final seasons at through 2025, he averaged around 6 goals per season in league and continental play, with 4 yellow cards per campaign. Overall, across his career, Cavani recorded approximately 280 league goals, 60 in European competitions, 50 in domestic cups, and 14 yellow cards per 100 appearances on average. In all-time rankings, Cavani holds the record as the top South American goalscorer in history with 138 goals. In , he ranks among the highest-scoring South Americans with 112 league goals, and is the all-time leading Uruguayan scorer in the competition.

International statistics

Edinson Cavani earned 136 caps and scored 58 goals for the senior national team during his international career, which spanned from his debut in until his retirement in May 2024. His contributions placed him as Uruguay's second-highest goalscorer of all time, behind only . Cavani's appearances were distributed across major competitions and friendlies, showcasing his consistent involvement in Uruguay's campaigns. The following table summarizes his senior international record by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
175
194
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers4918
Friendlies4023
43
Other tournaments75
Total13658
At the youth level, Cavani represented at the U20 level, accumulating 12 appearances and 9 goals, including notable performances in the and the South American U20 Championship. His U23 involvement was limited to the , where he made 3 appearances without scoring. Key milestones in Cavani's international tenure include reaching his 100th cap on March 26, 2018, during a 1-0 friendly victory over in the final, where he scored the winning goal.

Honours

Club honours

During his professional club career, Edinson Cavani contributed to several team successes across various leagues and competitions.

Danubio (2005–2007)

  • Uruguayan Primera División: 2006–07

SSC Napoli (2010–2013)

  • Coppa Italia: 2011–12

Paris Saint-Germain (2013–2020)

  • : 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
  • : 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20
  • : 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
  • : 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Boca Juniors (2023–present)

Cavani did not win any major club honours with (2007–2010), (2021–22), or (2022–23).

International honours

Cavani contributed to Uruguay's success in major international tournaments throughout his senior career, spanning from his debut in 2008 to his international retirement in 2024. The pinnacle was the nation's 15th title in 2011, where he played a key role in the squad's undefeated run to the final. Beyond that victory, Uruguay achieved notable placements under his involvement, including semi-final and quarter-final appearances at the World Cups and a fourth-place finish at the . Additionally, the team secured the , with Cavani scoring the decisive goal in the final. Earlier, he won the with .

Copa América

  • Winner (1): 2011

FIFA World Cup

  • Semi-finals (1): 2010
  • Quarter-finals (1): 2014

FIFA Confederations Cup

  • Fourth place (1): 2013

Other tournaments

  • China Cup winner (1): 2018
  • FIFA U-20 World Cup winner (1): 2007

Individual awards

Throughout his career, Edinson Cavani has received numerous individual accolades recognizing his goal-scoring prowess and overall impact in domestic and international competitions. These honors span his time in with Napoli, with Paris Saint-Germain, and his contributions to the national team. In , Cavani was named the for the 2012–13 season after scoring 29 goals for Napoli, leading the league in scoring that year. He was also selected to the Team of the Year for the 2012–13 campaign, as voted by players and media for his exceptional performance. During his stint in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani earned the UNFP Player of the Year award for the 2016–17 season, highlighted by his 35 league goals and pivotal role in the team's success. He also claimed the top scorer title in twice, in 2016–17 with 35 goals and in 2017–18 with 28 goals. On the international stage, Cavani was included in the Team of the Tournament in 2011, where he contributed significantly to Uruguay's title-winning campaign with key performances despite an injury. Earlier, at the , he was the top scorer with eight goals, earning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. Cavani received the award in 2018, presented to him in for his career achievements as an active player over 28 years old. He has also been nominated multiple times for the South American Footballer of the Year award, reflecting his prominence among continental players. At Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani ranks as the second all-time top scorer with 200 goals across all competitions from 2013 to 2020, a record he held solely from 2018 until surpassed by . For , he holds the record for the most goals among active players with five strikes in 17 appearances across four tournaments (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), tying the national record set by in 1950.

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  82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bUXod2mYlE
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  89. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/212/league/CONMEBOL.AMERICA/season/2015
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  95. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/535895/ecuador-uruguay
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  98. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/edinson-cavani-conversion-rate?l=eu5
  99. https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/edinson-cavani-manchester-united-cristiano-ronaldo/
  100. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37490645/psg-record-breaker-edinson-cavani-perfect-team-player
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  102. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2216022/2020/11/25/cavani-edinson-manchester-united/
  103. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9O349a5GBQ
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  105. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12201295/edinson-cavani-or-anthony-martial-uruguayan-strikers-work-rate-and-movement-sets-the-standard-for-his-man-utd-team-mates
  106. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37344374/cavani-chance-main-man
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  114. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37436056/cavani-accepts-had-difficult-first-two-years-psg
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