From the likes of Marco van Basten to Luis Suarez, Ajax has been an incubator of some of the world’s best striking talent. Let’s take a look at some the team’s top eleven frontmen of all-time.
Marco van Basten 1981–1987
A prolific scorer in the Dutch league for four consecutive seasons, Marco van Basten netted 152 goals in 172 appearances. 37 of those goals came in the 1985-86 seasons when he earned the European Golden Boot. One of the most gifted strikers all-time, he scored the winning goal that won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1987.
Johan Cruyff 1964–1973 1981–1983
Considered one of the best footballers ever, the dynamic attacker left a legacy of the total footballer both as a player and coach during his time at Ajax. He played 365 games with the Ajax side where he won eight domestic championships and three European Cups. He also coached the team to two KNVB Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup.
Jari Litmanen 2002–2004
The Finnish attacking midfielder played seven seasons with Ajax, where he scored a whopping 91 domestic goals. With Van Gaal at the helm, Litmanen achieved three consecutive Dutch championships and won the Champions League in 1995, becoming a top scored in the Champions League the following year with nine strikes to his name.
Luis Suarez 2007–2011
With 111 goals in 159 games, the indomitable Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez helped Ajax win the Eredivisie during the 2010/11 season along with KNVB Cup. He is fifth on the all-time Ajax scoring list.
Dennis Bergkamp 1986–1993
A top scorer in the Dutch league for two years running, the versatile playmaker Dennis Bergkamp totaled 122 goals in 237 matches with the club. His honors are equally impressive, helping the club win two Eredivisie titles, a European Cup Winners’ Cup, and a 1991/92 UEFA Cup.
Patrick Kluivert 1994–1997
The Dutch striker made his first start at the age of 18 for Ajax in 1994. He scored 52 goals over 100 games with the club, helping the team win the Dutch League twice and Champions League in the 1994/95 season where he famously bagged the game-winning goal in the 85th minute against AC Milan.
Zlatan Ibrahimović 2001–2004
Scorer of one of the team’s best solo goals in a match against NAC Breda, Zlatan Ibrahimović helped Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup. He also scored 48 goals in his 110 appearances with the club.
Marc Overmars 1992–1997
During his five year spell at Ajax, the Dutchman played an instrumental role in helping the club win the 1994/95 Champions League and two Eredivisie titles. He scored 44 goals in 189 matches in the red and white.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 2006–2008 & 2017–
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar finished as the top scorer in the Eredivisie in his debut season with Ajax. He netted 105 times in total, helping the team win two Eredivisie titles. After some time playing in Germany, he returned to the club in 2017 where’s he’s since notched 26 goals in 57 appearances.
Johnny Rep 1971–1975
The right-footed striker scored the game-winning goal against Juventus in the 1973 European Cup final. His four years with Ajax saw him appear in 97 domestic matches where he notched 41 goals. He also helped the side win the Dutch league twice, in addition to a European Cup in the 1971/72 season.
Stefan Pettersson 1988–1994
The Swedish frontman helped Ajax win two Dutch titles and one Dutch league cup. His scoring records include 91 strikes in 178 domestic appearances.
