Ajax complete blockbuster appointment as they officially hire the highly-respected former Barcelona midfielder.
The Dutch giants, searching for stability and a clear footballing identity after a turbulent period on and off the pitch, have turned to a familiar surname deeply woven into the club’s DNA.
The appointment is designed to reconnect Ajax with its traditional playing philosophy while modernising its structure in a rapidly evolving European landscape.
That figure is Jordi Cruijff, who has been confirmed as Ajax’s new technical director on a contract running until June 30, 2028, starting from February 1, 2026.
Born in Amsterdam in 1974, he spent several years in Ajax’s youth setup before moving to Spain, where he became a midfielder at FC Barcelona and later played for Manchester United and the Dutch national team.
After his playing career, Cruijff built an impressive CV as a sporting director at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Barcelona, and he will continue as an adviser to the Indonesian federation PSSI alongside his new role.
Cruijff described signing at the stadium named after his father as “very special”, emphasising the responsibility and pride he feels returning to a club central to his life since childhood.
He vowed to “fully commit” to Ajax from February and to do everything possible to add a new successful chapter to its rich history.
The supervisory board intends to appoint him also as a statutory director, underlining how central football decisions will be within the club’s overall governance.
Vice-chairman Dirk Anbeek added that combining the technical and statutory director roles ensures football stays at the heart of decision-making.
With Cruijff now locked in, Ajax aims to rebuild a squad and structure capable of restoring domestic dominance and competing in Europe with a clear, Cruijff-inspired vision.
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