Five Years After the Memorable Ajax vs. Tottenham 2-3 Clash: What Happened Next?
André Onana
Since 2019, André Onana’s journey has been nothing short of tumultuous. From facing a doping suspension in 2021 due to a positive test for Furosemide, which he claims was mistakenly taken from his wife’s medication, to his remarkable appearance in the 2023 Champions League final with Internazionale. Following his impressive stint with Internazionale, he secured a £44.1m move to Manchester United. However, his form and fortunes have experienced fluctuations, both for the club and the Cameroon national team.
Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui’s departure from Ajax in 2022, leaving for free after the expiration of his contract, marked a transfer fumble for the club. He joined Bayern Munich but has struggled to find his footing in Germany. Despite being a versatile full-back capable of playing on either flank, Mazraoui could potentially be sold in the upcoming summer transfer window, possibly at a significant profit.
Joël Veltman
Brighton secured Joël Veltman’s services for a remarkably low release clause of €1m in 2020, making him a vital cog in the Premier League. Nicknamed “Mr. Consistent,” Veltman continues to play a crucial role on the south coast for Brighton, wearing the No 34 jersey in tribute to his former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt, who captained Ajax at just 19, was highly coveted in 2019. Juventus won the bidding war for him with a €75m transfer, followed by a move to Bayern three years later. Despite his success abroad, De Ligt expressed his desire to potentially return to Ajax in an interview, albeit humorously suggesting a reunion with the entire 2019 squad.
Daley Blind
Daley Blind’s career defied expectations after leaving Manchester United in 2018. With four league titles, deep Champions League runs, and stints at Bayern and La Liga’s Girona, Blind’s career trajectory has been impressive. Additionally, he underwent a medical procedure for a heart condition, showcasing resilience both on and off the field.
Nicolás Tagliafico
Despite experiencing a stagnation in his club career at Lyon, Nicolás Tagliafico maintained his place in the Argentina squad. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa América triumph in 2021 and World Cup success in 2022, proving his worth on the international stage.
Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek’s career trajectory has taken a downturn since joining Manchester United in 2022. Despite promising performances at Ajax, his loans at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt were disappointing. However, off the field, he welcomed two children with Estelle Bergkamp, daughter of Dennis Bergkamp.
David Neres
Ajax’s signing of David Neres in 2019 didn’t pan out as expected, leading to his sale to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022. After a challenging period in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he secured a move to Benfica, where he is yet to rediscover his best form.
Dusan Tadic
Dusan Tadic’s remarkable performance in Ajax’s semi-final win against Real Madrid made him a hero among fans. Despite leaving for Fenerbahce last year, Tadic retains legendary status in Amsterdam, leaving behind a legacy of five brilliant years at Ajax.
Lasse Schöne
Lasse Schöne’s departure from Ajax for Genoa was marred by challenges, including Covid-related disruptions in Italy. Despite his struggles, he returned to NEC in the Netherlands, continuing his football journey at 37 years old.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong’s career has flourished since joining Barcelona in 2019, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders. Now a father and in his prime at 26, De Jong continues to impress under Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernández.
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech’s move to Chelsea in 2020 has been underwhelming, despite the club’s Champions League triumph in 2021. Currently on loan at Galatasaray, Ziyech’s future remains uncertain as he navigates through a challenging period in his club career.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar retired in 2021 and transitioned into a role as Ajax’s technical manager. Despite his retirement, he remains involved in the football world, recently making an appearance in an Ajax kit launch video.
Kasper Dolberg
Kasper Dolberg’s departure from Ajax to Nice in 2019 was followed by a move to Anderlecht in 2023. His career was marked by personal challenges, including a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in 2021.
Daley Sinkgraven
Injuries plagued Daley Sinkgraven’s time at Ajax, leading to his departure for Bayer Leverkusen. Following brief spells in Germany and Las Palmas, Sinkgraven’s football journey has been marked by resilience.
Lisandro Magallán
Lisandro Magallán’s brief stint at Ajax was followed by loan spells and moves to various clubs. Despite challenges, Magallán continues his football journey in Mexico.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s players and managers have experienced diverse career trajectories since the memorable Ajax vs. Tottenham clash. From Hugo Lloris surpassing records to Mauricio Pochettino’s managerial journey across Europe, each individual’s path reflects the unpredictability of football.
Each player and manager associated with Ajax and Tottenham has carved out their unique journey in the football world, embodying resilience, determination, and the spirit of the game.
