Last update November 23, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The Ajax de Amsterdam, one of the most emblematic clubs in the history of football, lived a golden era in the years 90 that returned the team to the top of world football. With a game style based on the tradition of Total soccer and a generation of exceptional players, The Dutch club conquered Europe and left an indelible legacy in the history of sport.
The Ajax of the 90: A young and talented team under the direction of Louis van Gaal
At the beginning of the years 90, Ajax experienced a revolution under the leadership of in the middle of the season, who took over as coach 1991. Van Gaal opted for a philosophy that combined the tradition of total football developed by legends such as Johan Cruyff with the incorporation of young talents from the club's prolific youth academy.
Look how stupid Van Gaal's great Ajax was at the end of the 1990s. 90: spectacular goal taking the ball from behind played in this incredible way🔥🔥🔥
📽️@FutebolVids pic.twitter.com/PK4BGnL6n6
— Manu Heredia (@ManuHeredia21) August 10, 2024
This approach allowed players like Edwin van der Sar, Frank deBoer, Ronald de Boer, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, Marc Overmars, Y Patrick Kluivert They will shine in the first team. further, Ajax added the experience of key players such as Jari Litmanen, who would become an indispensable figure, and Nigerian Live Mother.
The resurgence in Europe: The Champions League 1994-95
The highlight of the decade was, definitely, the conquest of UEFA Champions League 1994-95, an achievement that returned Ajax to the elite of European football after more than two decades without achieving the most prestigious trophy at club level..
An unbeatable path to glory
Ajax had an impressive run in the competition. They topped their group without losing a single match and, in the knockout phase, defeated Hajduk Split y al Bayern Munich, showing dynamic and offensive football.
The grand final was played on 24 May 1995 not Vienna, Austria, against the almighty AC Milan, defending champion. In a tense and very even match, the young man Patrick Kluivert, plus the European Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup 18 years, scored the decisive goal in the minute 85, sealing the victory for 1-0 and crowning Ajax as European champions.
Success in the Champions League translated into other international titles. In 1995, Ajax defeated Zaragoza champion of the Cup Winners' Cup in the European Super Cup and also raised the title of the Intercontinental Cup before Guild Brazilian.
Domains in eredivisie
At domestic level, Ajax dominated the Eredivisie over the years 90, winning four league titles (1990, 1994, 1995 Y 1996) and consolidating as the best team in the Netherlands. His attractive and effective game not only impressed in Europe, but razed national competitions, With goals and memorable performances.
A model that marked a generation
Ajax's success in 90 Not only was it due to the talent of its players, but also to its training and organizational model. The club maintained its commitment to the quarry, developing footballers with a clear philosophy based on offensive football and ball control.
The Ajax Youth Academy (The Future) was essential at this stage, becoming an example for clubs around the world. His influence shaped not only footballers, but also to coaches like Van Gaal, who exported this philosophy to international teams.
The twilight of the golden age
Despite the successes, the globalization of football in the years 90 and the appearance of richer teams began to affect Ajax. After reaching the final of the Champions League 1995-96, where he fell before the Juventus in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held at the stadium Olimpico in Rome, the team began to dismantle.
Key players like Seedorf, Davids, Overmars Y Kluivert They emigrated to more economically powerful clubs, marking the end of an era. But nevertheless, Ajax's mark on the 90 was recorded in the history of football.
