GOAL selects the greatest players produced at one of the world's most famous talent factories
Ajax's youth system is considered one of the greatest in world football and they have been producing world-class players for quite some time.
The renowned academy was formed on March 18, 1900 – the same day as the club was established in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Ajax’s ability to develop and nurture top young talent has been their biggest strength over the past 60 years, resulting in not only domestic success but European glory too.
Indeed, some of the biggest names in football history have graduated from the Ajax academy, as GOAL outlines below…
GettyJohan Cruyff
Arguably the most influential figure in football history, John Cruyff made his professional debut for Ajax in 1964.
The naturally gifted winger with an unrivalled understanding of the game played for the Dutch club for 11 years in total, over two stints (1964-1973 and 1981-1983), winning eight Eredivisie titles and three European Cups.
The iconic winger is the club’s all-time highest goalscorer, scoring 194 times in 287 matches.
Cruyff also played for Barcelona, Feyenoord, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats and Levante. His subsequent work as a coach at Camp Nou had a major impact on a number of future coaches, including Pep Guardiola.
AdvertisementGettyRuud Krol
The full-back, who could also play as a sweeper or defensive midfielder, made his professional debut for Ajax in 1968 and spent 12 seasons at the club.
During his time in Amsterdam, Krol won six Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, four KNVB Cups and two UEFA Super Cups.
Krol also lined out for Vancouver Whitecaps, Napoli and Cannes before retiring in 1986.
PROSHOTSPiet Keizer
A one-club man, Piet Keizer began his professional career with Ajax in 1961 after coming through their academy and played in Amsterdam until his retirement in 1974.
In the 13 years of his professional career, the winger won 19 trophies, including six Eredivisie titles, five KNVB Cups and three European Cups.
Getty ImagesMarco van Basten
Marco van Basten graduated from Ajax’s academy in 1981 after joining the club at the age of 16 and spent six seasons at the club before leaving for AC Milan, where he became a legend.
One of the most complete centre-forwards the game has ever seen, Van Basten's career was cruelly cut short by injury, playing his final game at just 28.
However, by that stage, he had already won a European Championship with Netherlands, as well as three Eredivisie titles, four Serie A titles and three European Cups at club level
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner also remains Ajax’s third-highest scorer of all time, with 152 goals in 172 matches.