Ajax 2025/26 review: Draws drag side to fifth, Godts shines amid coach upheaval | OneFootball

Ajax endured a disappointing 2025/26, finishing fifth in the Eredivisie, exiting in the KNVB Cup round of 16 and failing to escape their Champions League group.

According to AjaxDaily, an excess of draws undermined the campaign. They lost only six league games, two more than champions PSV Eindhoven, but drew 14, the same number as their wins.

The stalemates left them outside automatic European places. They still earned a Europa Conference League route by beating Utrecht on penalties after another draw, sealing the second qualifying round.

Goals were scarce compared with rivals. Ajax scored 62, PSV 101, with Feyenoord and NEC on 70 and 77. Only FC Twente conceded fewer, a base to build on.

Turbulence in the dugout did not help. Johnny Heitinga, appointed in May 2025, lasted five months before interim Fred Grim replaced him in November. Grim stayed until March, when Ajax Jong boss Oscar Garcia took over, and the club want stability akin to 2024/25 under Francesco Farioli, when they were runners-up.

Belgium winger Mika Godts, 20, was the standout. He delivered 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 Eredivisie games and won the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year.

His form has attracted interest, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United believed to be keen this summer, so Ajax may struggle to keep him.

It was another season many will want to forget, recalling the difficulties of 2023-24. Focus now turns to resetting and trying to challenge again next term.

Source: AjaxDaily