Ajax has added four new names to the squad for the Legends match against FC Barcelona. Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Urby Emanuelson and Ryan Babel join the previously announced group of club icons.
The match will be played on Sunday 15 November at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and is a tribute to Johan Cruijff. The club stated that "the full proceeds will go to the Johan Cruyff Foundation." The date is symbolic, as it marks exactly 62 years since Cruijff's debut for Ajax.
Patrick Kluivert, Jari Litmanen, brothers Ronald and Frank de Boer, Richard Witschge and Jan Vertonghen had already been confirmed. The event reunites a golden generation from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cruijff's philosophy, which remains present at both Ajax and Barcelona, is the central theme.
Preparations for this charity match continue as the first team focuses on the league. Ajax currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie with 15 points from eight matches. The team plays an important away fixture against sixth-placed FC Groningen on Sunday. The full squad and schedule can be found on the club site.
Alongside the return of these club legends, other matters occupy the Ajax world. Nigel de Jong will remain as director of top football at the KNVB for another four years. The 41-year-old former Ajax player has held the role since January 2023. Romanian official Christian-Petru Ciochirca has been appointed referee for Ajax's Conference League match against Hajduk Split. Dennis Higler will officiate Sunday's match between Groningen and Ajax, the 45th time he has taken charge of an Ajax game. Under his supervision, Ajax have recorded 29 victories in those previous encounters.
The report in full is at Ajax Showtime
