PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Éric Javier Davis Grajales |
| Date of Birth | 31/03/1991 (Age: 35) |
| Place of Birth | Colón, Panama |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Position | Left-Back / Left Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Current Club | CD Plaza Amador |
| Previous Clubs | Árabe Unido, Sporting San Miguelito, Fénix, DAC Dunajská Streda, DC United, FC Košice, Vila Nova |
| International Caps | 109 |
| International Goals | 9 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2026 |
| Contract Until | Not specified |
| Market Value | Not publicly available |
The Frozen Moment
June 27, 2026. The FIFA World Cup. Panama, facing elimination from the tournament, took the field against England. For Eric Davis, the 35-year-old left-back from Colón, it was the final match of a career that had spanned nearly two decades.
Davis entered the pitch in the dying minutes against England, his last appearance in the red shirt of Panama. He had already played in the group-stage match against Croatia, adding to his tally of two World Cup appearances across Russia 2018 and the United States 2026.
The tournament ended in the group stage for Panama, but Davis’s legacy was already secure. On June 28, 2026, he officially announced his retirement from international football, closing a chapter that had begun on August 10, 2010, under manager Julio Dely Valdés.
“I give thanks to God, then to my family, who in the difficult moments never took a step back,” he wrote in his farewell message. “Today it’s time to close the most incredible cycle of my career. Defending these colors has been the greatest honor and a dream come true.”
Origins
Born on March 31, 1991, in Colón, Panama, Eric Davis began his football journey in his homeland. He made his professional debut with Árabe Unido in 2009-10, playing 15 matches in his first season.
Davis’s talents extended beyond football. He was once a national boxing champion, a fact that speaks to his athletic versatility and competitive nature. He also became a viral TikTok sensation in Panama, known for his dance routines, often performed with teammate César Blackman.
Davis made his senior international debut for Panama on August 10, 2010, at just 19 years old, under the guidance of manager Julio Dely Valdés. From that moment, he became a fixture in the national team setup.
The European and American Forge
DAC Dunajská Streda (2015-2023):
Davis’s most significant club spell came at Slovak club DAC Dunajská Streda, where he spent nearly eight years from 2015 to 2023. During his time at the club, he made 164 league appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing one assist. His seasons at DAC were consistently productive, with goal tallies of 7 in 2018-19, 5 in 2020-21, and 5 in 2017-18.
DC United (2023):
In August 2023, Davis joined Major League Soccer side DC United. He made 8 appearances for the club, starting 6 of them.
Later Moves (2024-2026):
Davis’s career continued with moves to FC Košice in Slovakia, Vila Nova in Brazil, and finally CD Plaza Amador in Panama’s domestic league, where he was playing at the time of the 2026 World Cup.
The National Team Journey
Davis was a mainstay of the Panamanian national team for 16 years. He earned 109 caps for his country, scoring 9 goals and providing 19 assists across his international career. He received 9 yellow cards and one red card in his 109 appearances.
World Cup Appearances:
Davis represented Panama at two FIFA World Cups. He was part of the historic squad that made Panama’s debut at Russia 2018 and was selected again for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the 2026 tournament, he played in two matches, facing Croatia and England.
CONCACAF Gold Cup:
Davis was a regular presence in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, featuring in seven editions of the tournament. He was part of the Panama squad that reached the 2023 Gold Cup final and won the tournament in 2011. In the 2025 Gold Cup, he made 2 appearances and provided 1 assist.
Copa América:
Davis featured in the 2024 Copa América, making 4 appearances and providing 1 assist.
FIFA Recognition:
FIFA highlighted Davis as one of Panama’s seven “two-timers”—players who appeared in both the 2018 and 2026 World Cups. The governing body noted that the left-back had added significant physicality to his game over the years, overcoming injuries that had plagued him earlier in his career.
The Anatomy of His Game
Eric Davis is a left-back known for his physicality, offensive contributions, and leadership. At 180 cm and 78 kg, he possesses a well-rounded physical profile.
In Possession:
Davis is an attacking full-back who has demonstrated consistent goal-scoring ability throughout his career. His 18 goals in 164 appearances for DAC Dunajská Streda and 9 international goals are impressive returns for a defender. His left-footedness provides natural width on the left flank. In the 2025/26 season with Plaza Amador, he recorded 2 goals and 5 assists in 16 appearances. At the 2026 World Cup, he attempted 7 passes with 4 accurate completions and had 1 shot at goal.
Out of Possession:
Davis is a physical and committed defender. FIFA noted that he had added significant strength to his game in his later years, helping him overcome earlier injury problems. His background as a national boxing champion reflects his combative mentality. At the 2026 World Cup, he won 3 of 3 duels contested.
Psychological Edge:
Davis’s leadership qualities were recognised by his national team, with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino personally handing him the national flag as one of the team captains. FIFA described him as “one of the more vocal leaders of the Panama squad.” His decision to retire after the 2026 World Cup, making way for a younger generation, reflects his commitment to the team’s future beyond his own career.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2026 World Cup
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 2 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 0 |
| Passes Attempted | 7 |
| Passes Completed | 4 |
| Duels Won | 3 of 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | — | 0 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 7 editions | — | Winner (2011) |
| Copa América 2024 | 4 | 0 | — |
| Panama Senior Career | 109 | 9 | — |
TABLE C: Career (Selected Clubs)
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | Árabe Unido | Panamanian League | 15 | 0 |
| 2010-2011 | Árabe Unido | Panamanian League | 14 | 0 |
| 2013-2014 | Sporting San Miguelito | Panamanian League | 32 | 3 |
| 2015-2023 | DAC Dunajská Streda | Slovak Super Liga | 164 | 18 |
| 2023 | DC United | MLS | 8 | 0 |
| 2025-2026 | CD Plaza Amador | Panamanian League | 16 | 2 |
| TOTAL | — | — | — | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Panama Senior Debut | vs ? |
| 2011 | CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner | Panama squad |
| 2015 | DAC Dunajská Streda Transfer | Joined Slovak club |
| 2018 | World Cup Appearance | Russia 2018 |
| 2023 | Gold Cup Finalist | Panama squad |
| 2024 | Copa América Appearance | Panama squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | USA/Canada/Mexico |
| 2026 | International Retirement | Announced after World Cup |
These figures reveal a player of considerable experience and longevity. Davis has accumulated over 100 international appearances, represented Panama at two World Cups, and won a CONCACAF Gold Cup. His 109 caps and 9 international goals mark him as one of Panama’s most-capped players.
The Present Tense
The Club Story:
Eric Davis is currently a left-back for CD Plaza Amador in the Panamanian League. In the 2025/26 season, he made 16 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists. His contract with the club runs until at least the end of 2026.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Davis’s second appearance at the tournament after Russia 2018. He was named in Panama’s 26-man squad for the tournament. He played in two matches, against Croatia and England. Panama were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Davis earned 109 caps for Panama since his debut in 2010, scoring 9 international goals and providing 19 assists. He received 9 yellow cards and 1 red card across his international career.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Eric Davis is known for his multifaceted personality. He was once a national boxing champion, reflecting a competitive and athletic nature. He is also a viral TikTok sensation in Panama, known for his dance routines, often performed with teammate César Blackman.
Davis was a leader in the Panamanian squad, with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino personally handing him the national flag as one of the team captains ahead of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA described him as “one of the more vocal leaders of the Panama squad.”
His honours include the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Panama in 2011, multiple Panamanian league titles, and appearances at two World Cups.
The Verdict from the Camp
Eric Davis, announcing his retirement:
“Today it’s time to close the most incredible cycle of my career. Defending these colors has been the greatest honor and a dream come true. RESILIENCIA.”
Eric Davis, on the future of Panamanian football:
“Creo que los muchachos hicieron un gran trabajo, tenemos jugadores jóvenes que seguramente van a quedar para el otro proceso, y lo van a seguir haciendo de la mejor manera, así que estoy muy contento por ellos.”
FIFA:
“With Davis, it has come down to muscle. He wasn’t exactly a wispy 27-year-old in Russia, but the strength the left-back has added in the intermittent years has brought great physicality to his game… Offensively, he is more involved and with age, Davis has become one of the more vocal leaders of the Panama squad.”
Statistic:
Davis earned 109 caps for Panama, scoring 9 goals and providing 19 assists.
Statistic:
Davis represented Panama at two World Cups (2018, 2026).
Statistic:
Davis made 164 league appearances for DAC Dunajská Streda, scoring 18 goals.
Statistic:
Davis won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Panama in 2011.
Where Next?
Eric Davis is 35 years old and has announced his retirement from international football following the 2026 World Cup. His club future remains to be determined, as he continues to play for CD Plaza Amador in the Panamanian League.
A continued presence in the Panamanian League is likely, given his current club commitment. His experience and leadership make him a valuable asset for Plaza Amador as he enters the final stages of his career.
For Panama, Davis leaves a significant legacy. With 109 caps, 9 goals, and two World Cup appearances, he is one of the most-capped players in Panamanian history. His retirement marks the end of an era for the national team, as a new generation of players takes over.
From the youth ranks of Árabe Unido to the World Cup stage, from the Slovak Super Liga to the streets of Panama as a TikTok sensation, Eric Davis’s journey is one of versatility, resilience, and the power of embracing opportunity. The boy from Colón who was once a boxing champion and a viral dancer has become a Panamanian football icon—and his legacy will endure.
