Ajax Amsterdam announced on Saturday the appointment of Jordi Cruyff as their new technical director, thus confirming the verbal agreement reached by both parties on December 28. The Dutch club announced that the contract has been signed and that the former player and executive will formally begin his duties on February 1st, marking his institutional return to the club where he developed as a young player. Get 20% off UEFA Champions League broadcasts in Spanish on DAZN. Jordi Cruyff was born in Amsterdam on February 9, 1974, and is the son of Johan Cruyff, one of the most influential figures in the history of Ajax and world football. For several years he was part of the club's youth divisions before moving to Spain, where he continued his development at Barcelona. This early experience partly explains the personal and professional connection he maintains with both clubs. As a professional footballer, Cruyff had an international career that included stints at clubs such as Manchester United, as well as other experiences in various European leagues. At the international level, he played nine matches for the Netherlands national team, forming part of a generation that experienced the transition after the golden age of Dutch football.

A return full of symbolism and experience

After hanging up his boots, Jordi Cruyff built a profile linked to sports management. Over the years, he held important positions in international football, including sporting director of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Barcelona, ??and the Ecuadorian national team. More recently, he was also involved with the Indonesian Football Federation, where he served as an advisor.

“It’s very special to be here and sign my contract. In the stadium that bears my father’s name and at the club that has been important in my life since I was a child. It goes without saying how much it means to me and my family,” Cruyff said in statements published on Ajax’s official website.

The new manager also emphasized the commitment he is making at this stage of his career.“From February onwards, I will dedicate myself fully to Ajax. This fills me with a great sense of responsibility and pride. I thank the club's board for their confidence. Ajax is a unique club with a rich history, and I will do everything possible to add a new chapter of success together,” he added. For its part, Ajax announced that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, yet to be convened, the Supervisory Board's intention to also appoint Cruyff as a statutory director of the club until June 30, 2028, will be formally communicated, thus expanding his role within the institutional structure.