The 2025/26 season was one of disappointment for Ajax, as the team finished in fifth place in the final Eredivisie standings.
The Dutch giants also exited the KNVB Cup in the round of 16 and failed to advance from their Champions League group.
A mixed results season
There is a fine line between success and failure, and Ajax fell on the wrong side of that line on too many occasions during the 2025/26 season. One of the biggest factors in the team’s perceived poor campaign was the failure to turn draws into victories.
Although the Dutch giants only suffered six defeats in the Eredivisie, just two more than eventual champions PSV Eindhoven, the team from the country’s capital drew 14 games in the Dutch top flight, which was also the number of games they won.
In the end, the draws nearly cost Ajax dearly, as they finished fifth in the Eredivisie, outside the automatic qualification spots for next season’s European competition.
However, the Amsterdammers did manage to secure a place in the Europa Conference League play-offs for next season. They needed penalty kicks to see off Utrecht in the qualifier to book their place in the second qualifying round of the Conference League after yet another draw in normal and extra-time.
The penalty-kick victory at least meant the season ended on a slightly positive note, even if it wasn’t quite what anyone of an Ajax persuasion would have hoped for at the start of the season.
Another issue for Ajax this season was a relative lack of goals compared to their rivals. They scored just 62 goals compared to the champions PSV Eindhoven’s goal tally of 101, while Feyenoord and NEC both also outscored Ajax with goal tallies of 70 and 77, respectively.
One positive for the campaign was the team’s defensive record, as only FC Twente conceded fewer goals in the Eredivisie. That defensive record is something to build on for the new season, especially if the majority of the backline remains the same.
Head coach upheaval didn’t help the team
Another factor in the perceived disappointment with the campaign was the upheaval at the head coach position. Former club hero Johnny Heitinga began the season in charge of the team, having been appointed in May 2025.
However, after just five months and a poor start to the campaign, he was replaced by another former Ajax player, Fred Grim, on an interim basis in November.
Grim remained in charge until March, when the club gave the job to Ajax Jong boss Oscar Garcia. However, the appointment was another interim, short-term one.
The Dutch giants will hope that the next permanent head coach can bring some stability, just as Italian boss Francesco Farioli did in the 2024/25 season, when the team just missed out on the Eredivisie title, finishing as runners-up.
A shining light in the season
Ajax’s shining light for the season was Belgium international winger Mika Godts. The youngster was outstanding in attack, scoring 17 goals and producing 12 assists in 32 appearances in the Eredivisie.
The 20-year-old’s contribution to the team was recognised as he won the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year award at the Eredivisie Awards. It was a richly deserved award for an exciting young talent who was, without doubt, his team’s top performer for the season.
Well deserved 👏
Mika Godts has been awarded the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year award at the Eredivisie Awards. pic.twitter.com/ie5viBPROF
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 25, 2026
Unfortunately for Ajax, his performances have attracted interest from elsewhere, as is always likely with such a talented young player.
In fact, Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all believed to be interested in the youngster this summer. The Amsterdam giants may well face a struggle to keep hold of the winger.
Another season to forget for Ajax
Unfortunately, Ajax enjoyed another season to forget, just like in the 2023-24 season, when they endured a similarly poor campaign and finished fifth in the Eredivisie.
This is becoming a bad habit for Ajax, and it is simply not good enough for a club that should be among European football’s elite.
Everybody associated with the Dutch giants will be looking to quickly put this season behind them and, next season, once again attempt to challenge for the Dutch top-flight title.