Ajax Amsterdam the pride of Dutch football has long affirmed its position not only thanks to its huge collection of titles, but also because of its role as the cradle of training legends who have shaped the modern style of football. With the philosophy of “Total Football” as its foundation, Ajax not only produces outstanding talents but also gives wings to great icons of world football. Below, Bestsoccertips.com shares a list of 8 Ajax best players all time, selected based on their influence, technical level and important contributions to the club in each historical period.
Top 8 Ajax best players all time
Below is a list of the top 8 Ajax best players ever, the legends who have contributed to the identity, success and stature of one of the greatest clubs in Europe.
8. Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong was a pivotal player in Ajax’s run to the 2018–2019 Champions League semifinals, thanks to his control-oriented, press-resistant, and elite passing style. Under his influence, Ajax consistently dominated possession and match tempo – ideal for corner over bets and goals from midfield. His presence ensured Ajax dictated play, favoring Asian handicap bets such as Ajax to win both halves, especially in home matches.
For live bettors, De Jong was a key asset. When Ajax fell behind, he often led the comeback by regaining control – an edge that made in-play “comeback” bets viable. Bettors tracking live odds often backed Ajax to turn the game around if De Jong remained on the pitch. In major matches, his calming influence reduced midfield tension, leading to fewer cards – a factor that supported under card bets when he started.
7. Patrick Kluivert
Scoring the winning goal in the 1995 Champions League final at just 18, Patrick Kluivert immediately became a sensation in the betting world. A striker known for his speed, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, Kluivert was a prime choice for first goalscorer bets, especially when Ajax were favorites. At the time, many bettors followed a winning formula: Ajax win + Kluivert to score – a profitable combo in domestic and European matches.
Kluivert also created space for teammates, resulting in higher-scoring matches overall. That’s why his games frequently went over 2.5 goals. When Ajax had a forward capable of both linking play and scoring like Kluivert, over goals or winning margin bets were ideal. Against deep-sitting defensive teams, Kluivert could be tightly marked, making low-score or late-goal bets a smart option for savvy players.
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6. Clarence Seedorf
Though Seedorf only spent a short period at Ajax, he quickly showcased his exceptional talent. With accurate passing, powerful long shots, and a high football IQ, he was a game-changer from midfield. From a betting angle, Seedorf increased the total shot count in games through his ability to orchestrate play and create chances from deep. For those interested in corner or shot-related over bets, matches featuring Seedorf were a goldmine due to Ajax’s dynamic and varied attacking style.
Notably, Seedorf often pushed forward and took shots from distance – creating value in outside scorer or long-range goal bets when available. During the 1994–1995 Champions League campaign, his performances helped Ajax maintain an unbeaten run, and the team was favored in Asian handicap bets against major European clubs. Bettors focusing on high-tempo, young midfielders like Seedorf should consider over corner bets and Ajax to score in both halves due to their rapid transitions.
5. Edwin van der Sar
Van der Sar was not only a legendary goalkeeper for Ajax but also for European football. With his sharp reflexes, intelligent positioning, and composed style, he was the solid foundation that led Ajax to win the Champions League in 1995. In betting terms, Van der Sar contributed significantly to Ajax’s high clean sheet rate, especially at home. Observant bettors capitalized on this by placing clean sheet bets or combination wagers like Ajax to win and keep a clean sheet.
Furthermore, Van der Sar’s presence impacted under total goal bets, as his shot-stopping abilities often limited matches to under 2 goals. With such a dependable goalkeeper, scores like 1-0, 2-0, or 0-0 were common – ideal conditions for correct score betting. Experienced punters often trusted Ajax in major matches during Van der Sar’s era, knowing their defensive foundation was rock-solid.
4. Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard was a versatile player, excelling both as a defensive midfielder and a center-back. Known for his calm demeanor, intelligence, and outstanding reading of the game, he was a reliable anchor during Ajax’s successful early 1990s period. For those betting on total goals, Rijkaard’s presence often resulted in “under” outcomes, as he effectively limited the opponent’s scoring chances. With him in the lineup, Ajax kept numerous clean sheets, particularly in home matches.
Another key insight for bettors: in Champions League knockout matches, Ajax with Rijkaard maintained a balanced approach between attack and defense. These games often had slower tempos and fewer goals, with a higher likelihood of draws within 90 minutes – suitable for draw bets or exact scorelines like 1-0 or 2-0. Rijkaard’s experience and composure in big matches made him a critical factor for bettors evaluating starting lineups and match tempo.
3. Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp, with his technical style and exceptional playmaking ability, was the heartbeat of Ajax’s attack in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For bettors at the time, Bergkamp was a crucial consideration when analyzing matches from a tactical perspective: he not only scored consistently but also created dozens of goal-scoring chances for his teammates each season. His style – quick passing combinations and surprise decisive through balls – led to a high number of shots per match, which favored corner or shot-on-target over bets.
Bergkamp’s consistency also contributed to Ajax having a relatively high Asian handicap win rate during his playing period. Against poorly organized or weak defenses, Ajax often secured comfortable wins – making them an attractive option for -1.5 or -2 handicap bets. Conversely, when facing physically strong or high-pressing teams, Bergkamp’s possession-based style could be neutralized – a key point to consider when adjusting betting strategies.
2. Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten was a top-class striker for Ajax during the 1980s. With a near goal-per-game ratio, every match he played presented a high likelihood of Ajax scoring – a golden detail for bettors of the time. In an era when betting markets were still underdeveloped, those who possessed data on Van Basten’s scoring efficiency often had a distinct edge in over/under markets or first goalscorer bets. Particularly in home matches, games featuring Van Basten frequently resulted in high-scoring outcomes due to his tendency to score braces or hat-tricks.
Though he only spent six years with Ajax, Van Basten laid the foundation for a generation of attacking football. Applying this knowledge to today’s match analysis, bettors can assess the impact of a main striker in Ajax’s system. When the team features a sharp center-forward like Van Basten, handicap odds often swing strongly in Ajax’s favor – especially against weak or loosely defensive opponents. His finishing skills were so influential that bookmakers had to adjust odds early when he was in top form.
1. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is not only Ajax’s number one legend, but also a monumental figure in modern football. During his playing days, Ajax not only won numerous titles but also dazzled fans with their mesmerizing “Total Football” style. When analyzing Ajax’s performance during Cruyff’s era, bettors can clearly see an impressive consistency: Ajax often dominated possession, maintained a high goal-scoring rate, and rarely conceded. These factors made Ajax a reliable pick for bettors – whether in Asian handicaps or European odds – at that time.
Cruyff left his mark not only as a player but also as a manager, fundamentally shaping Ajax’s football philosophy. For seasoned bettors, understanding the tactical framework Cruyff established allows for more accurate predictions of Ajax’s current playing style. Against smaller teams, Ajax often plays high-pressing, attacking, possession-based football – increasing the chances of “over” bets hitting. On the other hand, when facing stronger opponents, Ajax’s ability to retain possession often limits goals conceded – a critical insight for “under” or correct score betting.
To Wrap It Up
Ajax Amsterdam is not only a club with a long history of achievements, but also a symbol of sustainable development, where the spirit of beautiful football is always preserved and passed down through each generation. The Ajax best players ever above not only play, they have contributed to shaping the identity and philosophy of the team. For fans and bettors, Ajax is always a team worth watching not only because of its attractive playing style, but also because of its ability to produce factors that can make a difference in every match, at every time.
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