Erwin Mulder

{{short description|Dutch footballer (born 1989)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Erwin Mulder | image = Go_Ahead_Eagles_-_FC_Volendam_-_52915242793.jpg | caption = Mulder in 2023 | full_name = Erwin Gerardus Theodorus Franc Mulder<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hns.family/files/documents/15452/Glasnik_23-2018.pdf |title=Players Active Sanctions |publisher=Croatian Football Federation |page=57 |date=1 June 2018 |access-date=18 August 2024 |language=hr}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|3|3|df=y}} | birth_place = Pannerden, Netherlands | height = 1.93 m | position = Goalkeeper | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = R.K.P.S.C. | youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Vitesse | youthyears3 = | youthclubs3 = Feyenoord | years1 = 2007–2015 | clubs1 = Feyenoord | caps1 = 120 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2008–2009 | clubs2 = → Excelsior (loan) | caps2 = 36 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2015–2017 | clubs3 = SC Heerenveen | caps3 = 68 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2017–2020 | clubs4 = Swansea City | caps4 = 29 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2020–2022 | clubs5 = SC Heerenveen | caps5 = 53 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2022–2024 | clubs6 = Go Ahead Eagles | caps6 = 0 | goals6 = 0 | totalcaps = 306 | totalgoals = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2007–2008 | nationalteam1 = Netherlands U19 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2008–2009 | nationalteam2 = Netherlands U20 | nationalcaps2 = 3 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2008–2009 | nationalteam3 = Netherlands B | nationalcaps3 = 1 | nationalgoals3 = 0 }}

'''Erwin Gerardus Theodorus Franc Mulder''' (born 3 March 1989) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

A Feyenoord academy graduate, he made more than 100 first-team appearances for the club between 2007 and 2015 and established himself as first choice in the early 2010s under Ronald Koeman. After a loan at Excelsior, he later played in the Eredivisie for Heerenveen and Go Ahead Eagles, and spent five seasons in England with Swansea City.

A youth international for the Netherlands at under-17, under-19, under-20 and under-21 level, he received a senior call-up in 2012. After retiring in 2024 he moved into coaching with Vitesse, becoming the club's first-team team manager in 2025.

==Early life== Mulder was born and raised in Pannerden, Gelderland, the Netherlands, a small village close to the German border halfway between Arnhem and Emmerich where footballer Robin Gosens was born. Mulder's father was a talented goalkeeper, making his first team debut at the age of 16 in the second highest amateur level. Mulder has two older brothers.<ref name="kameraadjes">{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/content/asp/kameraadjes/website/feyenoord.asp?speler=10010000030666 |newspaper=Kameraadjes |language=nl |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204074117/http://www.feyenoord.nl/content/asp/kameraadjes/website/feyenoord.asp?speler=10010000030666 |archive-date=4 December 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Club career== ===Youth career=== Mulder started playing football at local Pannerden club R.K.P.S.C. At the age of ten, he made the switch from field player to goalkeeper. After being a goalkeeper for one year, Mulder received his first invitation for the KNVB district team: "From that moment on I realized I had talent. I really enjoyed it as well, diving in the mud, loved it."<ref name="kameraadjes"/>

When Mulder went to secondary school around the age of 12, the goalkeeper joined the Vitesse Arnhem youth academy, a professional Eredivisie club from Arnhem. After playing for Vitesse for three seasons, he was asked to join the Feyenoord youth academy.<ref name="kameraadjes"/> At Feyenoord, Mulder was seen as one of the biggest goalkeeping talents. Feyenoord's former goalkeeping coach Pim Doesburg predicted him to be the first goalkeeper to reach Feyenoord's first team coming directly from the Feyenoord youth academy since Joop Hiele in the late seventies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pim na 45 jaar nog bloedfanatiek |url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1021/Meer-sport/article/detail/153593/2007/05/23/Pim-na-45-jaar-nog-bloedfanatiek.dhtml|newspaper=Algemeen Dagblad|language=nl |trans-title=Pim still extremely fanatic after 45 years |date=23 May 2007 |access-date=23 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503102144/http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1001/Sportwereld/article/detail/2283816/2007/05/23/Pim-na-45-jaar-nog-bloedfanatiek.dhtml?redirected |archive-date=3 May 2012 }}</ref>

===Feyenoord (2006–2015)=== [[File:Erwin Mulder 006.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Mulder listening to the coach in training at Feyenoord.]]

====Small steps (2006–2008)==== In November 2006, at the age of 17, Mulder was invited to Feyenoord's first team squad by Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman. As the reserve goalkeepers Patrick Lodewijks and Sherif Ekramy were both facing injuries, the teenager was Henk Timmer's first stand-in. He was on the bench for over ten matches during the season 2006–07, but did not make his official first team debut. In January 2007, Mulder was one of the few talents to join the first team on training camp in Belek, Turkey, but returned to the Feyenoord U19 squad afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Talent in Turkije (2): Erwin Mulder |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20070110Mulder.aspx |newspaper=Feyenoord.nl |language=nl |date=10 January 2007 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825221745/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20070110Mulder.aspx |archive-date=25 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 5 May 2007, Feyenoord said he was expected to be among six players to be included in the first team <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feyenoord.com/news/news-overview/68287 |title=FEYENOORD TALENT POOL PLAYERS ANNOUNCED |publisher=Feyenoord Official Website |date=5 May 2007 |access-date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107154404/https://www.feyenoord.com/news/news-overview/68287 |archive-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> the following month on 3 June 2007, the club announced that Mulder had been officially promoted to Feyenoord's first team squad for the 2007–08 season and extended his contract until summer 2011 on 28 September 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nieuw contract voor Erwin Mulder |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20070928Mulder.aspx |newspaper=Feyenoord.nl |language=nl |date=28 September 2007 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825221804/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20070928Mulder.aspx |archive-date=25 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> As Lodewijks retired, Mulder became third goalkeeper behind Timmer and Ekramy. Due to injuries of the first two goalkeepers, he made his official Eredivisie debut on 2 December 2007, in a home match against Heracles, which saw them win 6–0, and giving him his first clean sheet in his professional career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord ruim langs Heracles|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/35661/Feyenoord-ruim-langs-Heracles|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=2 December 2007|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> This turned out to be his first appearance in the 2007–08 season.

====Loan spell (2008–2009)==== [[File:Erwin Mulder 004.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Mulder preparing to drop the ball in training at Feyenoord.]]

To gain experience, Mulder joined Excelsior on loan for the season 2008–09 under manager Ton Lokhoff. Excelsior had just been relegated to the Eerste Divisie and were in need of a first team goalkeeper after Ronald Graafland left the club to join Vitesse Arnhem.<ref name="feyenoord.nl">{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder uitgeleend aan Excelsior |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20080705_MULDER.aspx |newspaper=Feyenoord.nl |language=nl |date=5 July 2008 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825221938/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20080705_MULDER.aspx |archive-date=25 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 8 August 2008, Mulder made his debut for Excelsior in a 1–0 loss against Telstar.<ref>{{cite news|title=VVV Venlo opent met winst, Excelsior onderuit|url=http://www.gelderlander.nl/sport/vvv-opent-met-winst-excelsior-onderuit-1.2655697|work=De Gelderlander|language=nl|date=8 August 2008|access-date=7 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107214012/http://www.gelderlander.nl/sport/vvv-opent-met-winst-excelsior-onderuit-1.2655697 |archive-date=7 November 2016 }}</ref> Since making his debut for the club, he had established himself as the first choice goalkeeper at Excelsior. On 6 March 2009, Mulder received a straight red card, just a few minutes before half-time, for a professional foul in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty to FC Oss. After being sent off, Arjan van Dijk replaced him in goal. van Dijk could not save the penalty. The match finished with FC Oss beating Excelsior 3–1, in a game that saw three penalties awarded, (two for the home side and one to Excelsior).<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder voor twee duels geschorst|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/27172/Mulder-voor-twee-duels-geschorst|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=6 March 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> After a two-match ban because of his sending off,<ref>{{cite news|title=Mulder voor twee duels geschorst|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/27172/Mulder-voor-twee-duels-geschorst|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=9 March 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Mulder made his return in goal on 27 March 2009 against SC Cambuur in a 1–1 draw. At Excelsior, he played 36 matches for the third club from Rotterdam, finishing in fifth place in the Eerste Divisie.

His performance was strong at Excelsior that he was the only player in the Eerste Divisie selected by Johan Neeskens for the Netherlands B squad.<ref name="Mulder RTV Rijnmond">{{cite news|title=Royston Drenthe niet in voorselectie van Nederland B|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/27060/Royston-Drenthe-niet-in-voorselectie-van-Nederland-B|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=14 March 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

====Return to Feyenoord (2009–2010)==== When Feyenoord decided not to renew first team goalkeeper Henk Timmer's contract, Mulder returned to Feyenoord for the 2009–10 season, having previously stated that he was ready for the first team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mulder: "Ik ben klaar voor Feyenoord"|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/27788/Mulder-Ik-ben-klaar-voor-Feyenoord|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=12 February 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> During pre-season, he had to battle with reserve goalkeeper Rob van Dijk and Feyenoord U19's Darley Ramon Torres for a regular place under the bar.

Mulder was close to another season-long loan spell at Excelsior when Feyenoord decided to test the Slovak goalkeeper Kamil Čontofalský.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slowaakse doelman Contofalsky op proef |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090705Contofalsky.aspx |newspaper=Feyenoord.nl |language=nl |date=5 July 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308070434/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090705Contofalsky.aspx |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He trained with the Excelsior squad for a week, but returned to Feyenoord when Čontofalský's trial had ended.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder sluit maandag aan bij groep |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090712_mulder_feyenoord.aspx |newspaper=Feyenoord.nl |language=nl |date=12 July 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825222118/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090712_mulder_feyenoord.aspx |archive-date=25 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Mulder pulled a muscle during a training session, causing him to be sidelined for up to four to six weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder ruim een maand uit de roulatie|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/24116/Mulder-ruim-een-maand-uit-de-roulatie|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=21 July 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

After his recovery,<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder maakt succesvolle rentree|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/23663/Erwin-Mulder-maakt-succesvolle-rentree|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=10 August 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> he remained at Feyenoord after rumours of re-joining Excelsior on loan for the second time this season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder niet naar Excelsior|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/23245/Erwin-Mulder-niet-naar-Excelsior|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=28 August 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> However, Mulder spent most of the 2009–10 season as third choice goalkeeper behind Rob van Dijk and Derley.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rob van Dijk blijft eerste keeper|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/19580/Rob-van-Dijk-blijft-eerste-keeper|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=14 January 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Nevertheless, he became first choice goalkeeper for the rest of the season after Derley was sent-off in a 4–2 win against Roda JC on 7 March 2010<ref>{{cite news|title=Darley opnieuw slechts een duel onder de lat|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/18163/Darley-opnieuw-slechts-een-duel-onder-de-lat|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=7 March 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and van Dijk's injury in a 1–1 draw against Heracles on 14 March 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Opnieuw liesklachten voor Van Dijk|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/17928/Opnieuw-liesklachten-voor-Van-Dijk|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=14 March 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Mulder went on to make ten appearances later in the 2009–10 season and gained four clean sheets in ten league appearances. For his performance,<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder verkozen tot Speler van de Week|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/17544/Erwin-Mulder-verkozen-tot-Speler-van-de-Week|publisher=RTV Rijnmind|language=nl|date=28 March 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> the club began talks over a new contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mulder kan bijtekenen bij Feyenoord|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/17546/Mulder-kan-bijtekenen-bij-Feyenoord|publisher=RTV Rijmond|language=nl|date=28 March 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Then it was announced on 22 April 2010, that he had signed a new contract with the club, taking him up to 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder & Rob Van Dijk Sign Feyenoord Contract Extensions|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2010/04/22/1890304/erwin-mulder-rob-van-dijk-sign-feyenoord-contract-extensions|publisher=Goal.com|date=22 April 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

====Becoming the first choice goalkeeper (2010–2014)==== In the 2010–11 season, Mulder became the first choice goalkeeper at the club at the start of the season for several matches until he injured his hand during a match against Vitesse on 29 August 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder blesseert hand tijdens duel tegen Vitesse|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/13475/Erwin-Mulder-blesseert-hand-tijdens-duel-tegen-Vitesse|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=29 August 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> After spending a month on the sidelines and having returned to fitness,<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder is weer fit|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/12383/Erwin-Mulder-is-weer-fit|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=6 October 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> he made his return from injury in a 1–1 draw against N.E.C. reserves on 25 October 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rentree Erwin Mulder in tweede elftal|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/11742/Rentree-Erwin-Mulder-in-tweede-elftal|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=25 October 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Though, it was not until 19 January 2011, when he made his league return in the De Klassieker, in a 2–0 loss against Ajax.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord onderuit tegen Ajax|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/9193/Feyenoord-onderuit-tegen-Ajax|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=19 January 2011|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Despite missing out several matches, due to personal reason<ref name="Mulder Rijnmond 2">{{cite news|title=Mulder afwezig tegen Heerenveen|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/7605/Mulder-afwezig-tegen-Heerenveen|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|date=5 March 2011|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and injury,<ref>{{cite news|title=Rob Van Dijk en Bruno Martins Indi in basis Feyenoord|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/6709/Van-Dijk-en-Martins-Indi-in-basis-Feyenoord|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=1 April 2011|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Mulder remained first choice goalkeeper and finished the 2010–11 season, making nineteen appearances in all competitions.

The 2011–12 season saw the departure of Rob van Dijk to FC Utrecht on a free transfer, leaving Mulder to compete with Darley, Kostas Lambrou and Ronald Graafland to become Feyenoord's first choice keeper. He began in the starting line-up in goal and established himself in the starting eleven under new manager Ronald Koeman.<ref>{{cite news|title='Bij Feyenoord mogen we elkaar wat harder aanpakken' |url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/2885141/2011/09/02/Bij-Feyenoord-mogen-we-elkaar-wat-harder-aanpakken.dhtml |work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media |language=nl |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=10 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902101854/http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/2885141/2011/09/02/Bij-Feyenoord-mogen-we-elkaar-wat-harder-aanpakken.dhtml |archive-date=2 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Mulder made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season, in the opening game of the season, in a 2–0 win against Excelsior.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord sterkste in stadsderby|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/2698/Feyenoord-sterkste-in-stadsderby|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=5 August 2011|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> As the 2011–12 season progressed, his form soon led to the club's technical director Martin van Geel commenting on his plans to offer the shot-stopper a new contract at the club, in hopes of helping him develop much further.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord keen to keep Mulder|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7596057/Feyenoord-keen-to-keep-Mulder|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 March 2012|access-date=19 March 2012}}</ref> Eventually, he signed a contract with the club, tying him until 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder tekent bij|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/87914/Erwin-Mulder-tekent-bij|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=26 April 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> He also was an ever-present goalkeeper in the 2011–12 season, having made thirty-four appearances despite suffering a wrist injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lichte polsblessure Erwin Mulder|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/81881/Lichte-polsblessure-Erwin-Mulder|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=6 January 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

In the 2012–13 season, Mulder continued to be the first choice goalkeeper at the start of the season until he suffered a toe injury during a match against Heracles on 26 August 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder maanden uit de roulatie|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/93208/Erwin-Mulder-maanden-uit-de-roulatie|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=26 August 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> On 16 December 2012, he made his return from injury, in a 3–2 win over ADO Den Haag.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord met drie wijzigingen tegen ADO Den Haag|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/feyenoord-met-drie-wijzigingen-tegen-ado~ac6ff429/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=16 December 2012|access-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107005020/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/feyenoord-met-drie-wijzigingen-tegen-ado~ac6ff429/ |archive-date=7 November 2023 }}</ref> Three days later, on 19 December 2012, he helped the club go through to the KNVB Cup when they beat Heerenveen 7–6 in the penalty–shootout, with Mulder saving two penalties.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord na strafschoppen voorbij Heerenveen|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/97051/Feyenoord-na-strafschoppen-voorbij-Heerenveen|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=19 December 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Following this, Mulder remained as first choice goalkeeper for the rest of the 2012–13 season, making thirty appearances in all competitions.

In the 2013–14 season, he continued to be the first choice keeper and in the De Klassieker against Ajax on 18 August 2013, he was at fault when he conceded a penalty in the 31st minute, which resulted in his being booked in the game, leading the opposition's team to successfully convert the penalty, in a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nipte nederlaag voor Feyenoord in Klassieker|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/105857/Nipte-nederlaag-voor-Feyenoord-in-Klassieker|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=18 August 2013|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> He kept his place in the first-team despite facing competition from new signing Warner Hahn and helped the club go back to the winning ways in the first half of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mulder niet bang voor concurrentie Hahn|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/mulder-niet-bang-voor-concurrentie-hahn~aafbc6c5/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=26 October 2013|access-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107051923/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/mulder-niet-bang-voor-concurrentie-hahn~aafbc6c5/ |archive-date=7 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=De Goey over Mulder: 'Wat maakt uitstraling uit?'|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/108994/De-Goey-over-Mulder-Wat-maakt-uitstraling-uit|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=11 November 2013|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Mulder then made his 100th league appearance for the club against Heerenveen on 9 December 2013, which saw them lose 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder voelt zich niet bedreigd bij Feyenoord|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/erwin-mulder-voelt-zich-niet-bedreigd-bij-feyenoord~ad4df449/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=9 December 2013|access-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107005043/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/erwin-mulder-voelt-zich-niet-bedreigd-bij-feyenoord~ad4df449/ |archive-date=7 November 2023 }}</ref> Although he conceded two goals, he was named in the Team of the Week.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davy's schitteren tussen Danny en Dion|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/davy-s-schitteren-tussen-danny-en-dion~a49254cb/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=9 December 2013|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> In a match against Heracles Almelo on 18 December 2013 in the last 16 of the KNVB Cup, Mulder saved the only penalty from Ben Rienstra to send them through to the next round.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder zocht hulp bij Lodewijks|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/110423/Erwin-Mulder-zocht-hulp-bij-Lodewijks|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=19 December 2013|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> As the 2013–14 season progressed, he continued to do so until he suffered a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord in 5-3-2-formatie zonder doelman Erwin Mulder|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/feyenoord-in-5-3-2-formatie-zonder-doelman-mulder~aa7bfa5a/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=27 April 2014|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> He previously suffered a bruise on his metacarpal in early 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/110872/Mulder-heeft-kneuzing-in-middenhandsbeentje|title=Mulder heeft kneuzing in middenhandsbeentje|date=5 January 2016|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Despite this, Mulder finished the season, making thirty-seven appearances in all competitions.

====Decline (2014–2015)==== In the 2014–15 season, he played the first four matches at the start of the season and earned two clean sheets, one against ADO Den Haag<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord ontsnapt in slotfase in Haags kaartenfestijn|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/feyenoord-ontsnapt-in-slotfase-in-haags-kaartenfestijn~acb533b3/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=10 August 2014|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and the other against Twente.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sterker Feyenoord speelt gelijk bij FC Twente|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/119531/Sterker-Feyenoord-speelt-gelijk-bij-FC-Twente|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=31 August 2014|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

However, the arrival of Kenneth Vermeer on 31 August 2014, led to Mulder losing his spot in the first eleven and he spent most of the season on the substitutes' bench.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin Van Geel: Erwin Mulder heeft zich onvoldoende ontwikkeld|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/van-geel-mulder-heeft-zich-onvoldoende-ontwikkeld~a5d6fc12/|publisher=Algemen Dagblad|language=nl|date=31 August 2014|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> It was because of this, that he trained alone<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder traint apart in De Kuip|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/119663/Erwin-Mulder-traint-apart-in-De-Kuip|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=3 September 2014|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> In the Europa League game against Roma in the second leg, which saw them lose and eliminated from the tournament, Mulder received a red card, even though he was not playing, for an 'unacceptable gesture' "towards the linesman".<ref>{{cite news|title=Te Vrede en Mulder geschorst door UEFA|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/127253/Te-Vrede-en-Mulder-geschorst-door-UEFA|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=20 March 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2014–15 season, it was soon announced that he would be leaving Feyenoord, making him a free agent.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord verlengt niet met drietal|url=http://www.goal.com/nl/news/213/eredivisie/2015/03/25/10175672/feyenoord-verlengt-niet-met-drietal?|publisher=Goal.com|language=nl|date=25 March 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

===Heerenveen=== After leaving Feyenoord, Mulder signed for Heerenveen as a free agent, signing a two-year contract with the club on 11 July 2015, replacing outgoing keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, who left for Premier League side Swansea City, as well as, receiving the number one shirt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sc-heerenveen.nl/nieuws/mulder-jaagt-in-friesland-op-sportief-eerherstel/10 |title=Erwin Mulder jaagt in Friesland op sportief eerherstel |publisher=SC Heerenveen |date=11 July 2015 |access-date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192142/http://www.sc-heerenveen.nl/nieuws/mulder-jaagt-in-friesland-op-sportief-eerherstel/10 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

He made his Heerenveen debut, in the opening game of the season, in a 3–1 win over De Graafschap.<ref>{{cite news|title=De Graafschap kansloos onderuit in SC Heerenveen|url=http://www.gelderlander.nl/algemeen/sport/voetbal/de-graafschap-kansloos-onderuit-in-heerenveen-1.5148636|work=De Gelderlander|language=nl|date=11 August 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> In a match against PEC Zwolle on 29 August 2015, Mulder captained the club for the first time, following the absence of Joey van den Berg, which saw the game finish level at 1–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=PEC knokt zich na rust naar punt in Heerenveen|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/pec-knokt-zich-na-rust-naar-punt-in-heerenveen~ace5de09/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=29 August 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> In a match against his former club, Feyenoord, on 18 October 2015, he played against them for the whole game, but conceded five goals, as Heereveen lost 5–2.<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord oppermachtig in Heerenveen: 2–5|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/134226/Feyenoord-oppermachtig-in-Heerenveen-2-5|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=18 October 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> In the next game against Willem II on 24 October 2015, Mulder made amends from his mistake in the previous game when he saved a penalty from Stijn Wuytens in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news|title=Penalty held Erwin Mulder: Ik heb mijn huiswerk gedaan|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/penaltyheld-mulder-ik-heb-mijn-huiswerk-gedaan~a5fef15d/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=26 October 2015|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> He went on to captain the club on eight occasions and in his first season at the club, he made thirty-seven appearances (playing all the matches in the league).

===Swansea City=== After leaving Heerenveen on 29 June 2017, Mulder joined Swansea as a free agent, signing a three-year contract with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swanseacity.com/news/swans-sign-dutch-keeper-erwin-mulder|title=Swans sign Dutch keeper Erwin Mulder – Swansea City AFC|website=www.swanseacity.com}}</ref>

===Go Ahead Eagles=== On 2 August 2022, Mulder signed with Go Ahead Eagles for one season.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Go Ahead Eagles|url=https://www.ga-eagles.nl/erwin-mulder-blijf-het-liefst-tot-mijn-veertigste-profkeeper/|title=ERWIN MULDER: 'BLIJF HET LIEFST TOT MIJN VEERTIGSTE PROFKEEPER'|date=2 August 2022|access-date=2 August 2022|language=nl}}</ref>

==International career== Having previously been called up by Netherlands U17<ref>{{cite news|title=Feyenoord hofleverancier Oranje onder 17 jaar|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/47236/Feyenoord-hofleverancier-Oranje-onder-17-jaar|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=14 March 2006|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and Netherlands U19,<ref>{{cite news|title=Vier Feyenoorders geselecteerd voor onder 19|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/32839/Vier-Feyenoorders-geselecteerd-voor-onder-19|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=19 May 2008|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> Mulder was called up to be in the Netherlands B squad.<ref name="Mulder RTV Rijnmond"/>

Following this, he was further called up for the Netherlands U20 squad. He made his debut against Argentina on 3 June 2009<ref>{{cite news|title=Revanche Oranje-beloften|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/25208/Revanche-Oranje-beloften|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=3 June 2009|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and was then called up to the Netherlands U21 squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder in voorlopige selectie Jong Oranje|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/14352/Mulder-in-voorlopige-selectie-Jong-Oranje|publisher=RTV Rijnmond|language=nl|date=28 July 2010|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

On 7 May 2012, Mulder was named in the provisional list of 36 players for the Euro 2012 tournament, one of nine uncapped players to be chosen by Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk as part of the preliminary squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oranje-selectie vol nieuwe en verrassende namen|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/oranje-selectie-vol-nieuwe-en-verrassende-namen~a6659877/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=7 May 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> After training with the national team,<ref>{{cite news|title=Doelman Erwin Mulder geniet vooral bij Oranje|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/sport/15-05-2012/doelman-erwin-mulder-geniet-vooral-bij-oranje|publisher=RTV Rijmond|language=nl|date=15 May 2012|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> it was announced that Mulder was cut from the squad ahead of Euro 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Van Marwijk laat Emanuelson en Maduro thuis|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/van-marwijk-laat-emanuelson-en-maduro-thuis~a8b73cf8/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=15 May 2013|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

== Coaching career == In October 2024, Mulder began coaching goalkeepers in the Vitesse academy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lammers |first1=Lex |title=Erwin Mulder keeperstrainer jeugd Vitesse |url=https://www.gelderlander.nl/vitesse/erwin-mulder-keeperstrainer-jeugd-vitesse~a7cc7e25/ |access-date=26 October 2025 |work=De Gelderlander|publisher=DPG Media |date=29 October 2024 |language=nl |trans-title=Erwin Mulder appointed youth goalkeeping coach at Vitesse}}</ref> In June 2025, he was appointed first-team team manager while continuing his academy goalkeeping duties.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lammers |first1=Lex |title=Erwin Mulder teammanager Vitesse |url=https://www.gelderlander.nl/vitesse/erwin-mulder-teammanager-vitesse~adec5ea0/ |access-date=26 October 2025 |work=De Gelderlander|publisher=DPG Media |date=27 June 2025 |language=nl |trans-title=Erwin Mulder appointed team manager at Vitesse}}</ref>

==Personal life== On 4 March 2011, Mulder's father died of a heart attack, at age 56, and as a result, Mulder took bereavement leave, meaning he would miss several matches.<ref name="Mulder Rijnmond 2"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Erwin Mulder heeft na dood vader dubbele missie|url=http://www.ad.nl/eredivisie/erwin-mulder-heeft-na-dood-vader-dubbele-missie~a128f8f0/|work=Algemeen Dagblad|publisher=DPG Media|language=nl|date=30 April 2011|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

==Career statistics== {| class=wikitable style="text-align: center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|League cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="9"|Feyenoord |2007–08<ref name=soccerway>{{cite web |title=E. Mulder: Summary |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/erwin-mulder/17330/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=23 February 2020 }}</ref> |Eredivisie |1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- |2008–09<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2009–10<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |10||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||0 |- |2010–11<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |17||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}}||0||19||0 |- |2011–12<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |34||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||34||0 |- |2012–13<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |22||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UEFA|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League; two appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||28||0 |- |2013–14<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |32||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||37||0 |- |2014–15<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |4||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UEFA}}||0||8||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !120||0||8||0||colspan="2"|—||12||0||140||0 |- |Excelsior (loan) |2008–09<ref name=soccerway/><ref name=worldfootball.net>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe11287/erwin-mulder/club-matches/ |title=Erwin Mulder – Club matches |work=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=23 February 2020 }}</ref> |Eerste Divisie |36||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearance(s) in Eerste Divisie promotion play-offs}}||0||41||0 |- |rowspan="3"|SC Heerenveen |2015–16<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |34||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||0 |- |2016–17<ref name=soccerway/><ref name=worldfootball.net/> |Eredivisie |34||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=EECP|Appearance(s) in Eredivisie european competition play-offs}}||0||40||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !68||0||7||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0||77||0 |- |rowspan="4"|Swansea City |2017–18<ref name=sb1718>{{soccerbase season|45660|2017|accessdate=23 February 2020 }}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2018–19<ref name=sb1819>{{soccerbase season|45660|2018|accessdate=23 February 2020 }}</ref> |Championship |25||0||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||27||0 |- |2019–20<ref name=sb1920>{{soccerbase season|45660|2019|accessdate=23 February 2020 }}</ref> |Championship |4||0||0||0||0||0||2{{efn|Appearance(s) in Championship play-offs}} |0||6||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !29||0||2||0||0||0||2 !0||33||0 |- | rowspan="3" |SC Heerenveen |2020–21<ref name="soccerway" /> |Eredivisie |34 |0 |4 |0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— |38 |0 |- |2021–22<ref name="soccerway" /> |Eredivisie |19 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |2{{efn|name=EECP}} |0 |21 |0 |- ! colspan="2" |Total !53 !0 !4 !0 ! colspan="2" |— !2 !0 !59 !0 |- |rowspan="3"|Go Ahead Eagles |2022–23<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- |2023–24<ref name=soccerway/> |Eredivisie |0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- ! colspan="3" |Career total !306||0||26||0||0||0||20||0||352||0 |}

{{notelist}}

==Honours== '''Feyenoord''' *KNVB Cup: 2007–08<ref>{{cite news|url=https://africa.espn.com/football/match?gameId=240597|title=2007/08 Dutch Cup, Final|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 February 2023}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090823052409/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/datapresenter/s2/playerinfo.aspx?dataid=10010000030666 Official Erwin Mulder profile] on [http://www.feyenoord.nl Feyenoord.nl] {{in lang|nl}} * Kameraadjes Club: [https://web.archive.org/web/20071204074117/http://www.feyenoord.nl/content/asp/kameraadjes/website/feyenoord.asp?speler=10010000030666 Erwin Mulder] {{in lang|nl}} * [http://www.vi.nl/spelers/carriere/erwin-mulder.htm Erwin Mulder at ''Voetbal International''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328171320/http://www.vi.nl/spelers/carriere/erwin-mulder.htm |date=28 March 2015 }} {{in lang|nl}} *{{Soccerbase}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mulder, Erwin}} Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:Dutch men's footballers Category:Footballers from Gelderland Category:Men's association football goalkeepers Category:Netherlands men's youth international footballers Category:21st-century Dutch sportsmen Category:Eredivisie players Category:Eerste Divisie players Category:English Football League players Category:Feyenoord players Category:Excelsior Rotterdam players Category:SC Heerenveen players Category:Swansea City A.F.C. players Category:Go Ahead Eagles players Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Wales Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Wales Category:People from Zevenaar