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Ajax Amsterdam is one of the most storied football clubs in the world, known for
its rich history, legendary players, and revolutionary playing style. But how much
do you really know about its origins? From humble beginnings to becoming a
European powerhouse, Ajax’s founding story is filled with surprising twists and
little-known details.
1. Ajax Was Founded in a Café, Not a Stadium
Unlike many football clubs that were formed in schools, factories, or parks, Ajax
was born in a small café in Amsterdam.
On March 18, 1900, a group of young men gathered at the Oost-Indisch Huis (East
India House) on the Kalverstraat to officially establish Football Club Ajax. The
name was inspired by the Greek mythological hero Ajax the Great, symbolizing
strength and perseverance.
Interestingly, the café no longer exists, but the legacy of that meeting lives on.
2. The Club’s First Name Was Different
Before settling on Ajax, the club went through an identity crisis.
In 1894, a group of friends created a team called Union, but it disbanded quickly.
Later, they formed Footh-Ball Club Ajax (with an unusual hyphenation). The
spelling was later corrected to Football Club Ajax, and in 1911, the club was
renamed Ajax Amsterdam to distinguish itself from other Dutch clubs with similar
names.
3. The First Matches Were Played on a Field Near a Pig Farm
Ajax’s earliest home ground was far from glamorous.
The team played its first matches on a field near Het Gemeentelijk Abattoir (the
Municipal Slaughterhouse) in Amsterdam-Oost, an area surrounded by pig farms.
The smell was so strong that players and spectators often complained, but the
club had no other options at the time.
It wasn’t until 1911 that Ajax moved to a more respectable stadium, Het Houten
Stadion (The Wooden Stadium), which was, as the name suggests, built entirely of
wood.
4. Ajax Almost Merged with Another Club in 1907
Financial struggles nearly ended Ajax before it could become a powerhouse.
In 1907, the club was in dire financial trouble and considered merging with
Amsterdam Football Club (AFC). However, a wealthy businessman and football
enthusiast, Floris Stempel, stepped in to save the club. He became Ajax’s chairman
and helped stabilize its finances, ensuring its survival.
Without Stempel’s intervention, Ajax might have disappeared before ever winning
a major trophy.
5. The First Official Kit Was Black with a Red Sash
Ajax’s famous red-and-white colors weren’t always the standard.
The club’s first official kit (1900) was a black shirt with a red sash, resembling the
colors of the city of Amsterdam. However, in 1911, the club switched to red and
white vertical stripes, inspired by English club Sunderland AFC, which was highly
successful at the time.
The iconic all-white kit with a red stripe (now synonymous with Ajax) was
introduced in the 1970s under manager Rinus Michels.
6. The Club Wasn’t Immediately Successful—It Took 17 Years to Win a Major Trophy
Unlike modern Ajax, which dominates Dutch football, the early years were tough.
Despite being founded in 1900, Ajax didn’t win its first major trophy until 1917—the
KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup). The club’s first Eredivisie (Dutch League) title came even
later, in 1918.
This slow start makes Ajax’s later dominance (especially in the 1970s under Johan
Cruyff) even more impressive.
7. Jewish Identity Played a Key Role in Ajax’s Culture
Ajax has deep historical ties to Amsterdam’s Jewish community.
Although the club itself was never officially Jewish, its stadium was located in a
predominantly Jewish neighborhood, and many Jewish supporters adopted Ajax
as their team. This led to the nickname "Joden" (Jews), which fans still chant today
as a point of pride.
During World War II, several Ajax Jewish players and officials were tragically killed
in the Holocaust, a somber chapter in the club’s history.
8. The First Star Player Was a Teenager Who Scored 64 Goals in a Season
Before Johan Cruyff, there was Jan Vos.
In the 1917-18 season, 18-year-old striker Jan Vos scored an incredible 64 goals in
just 20 matches, a record that still stands in Dutch football history. Vos was Ajax’s
first true superstar, helping the club win its first major trophies.
Sadly, his career was cut short when he died at just 24 years old due to pneumonia.
9. The Club Was Saved by a Lottery in 1928
Financial troubles struck again in the 1920s, and Ajax was on the verge of
bankruptcy.
To raise funds, the club organized a public lottery, selling tickets to fans. The
gamble paid off—the lottery generated enough money to keep Ajax afloat.
Without this creative solution, the club might not have survived to see its golden
era.
10. The Famous Ajax Crest Wasn’t Introduced Until 1928
Ajax’s legendary crest—featuring the head of Greek hero Ajax—wasn’t used until
1928.
Before that, the club used simple letter-based logos. The current design, with the
iconic eleven lines (representing the 11 players on the field), was refined over the
years but remains one of the most recognizable symbols in football.
The Humble Beginnings of a Football Giant
From a small café meeting to European glory, Ajax’s founding story is filled with
resilience, luck, and visionary leadership. These 10 little-known facts highlight how
the club overcame early struggles to become one of football’s most legendary
institutions.
Next time you watch Ajax play, remember—it all started with a group of
determined young men, a pig farm, and a dream.
Would you like to know more about Ajax’s golden eras or legendary players? Let us
know in the comments!
