Ajax End Miserable Season With Play-Off Win and Eye Big Changes

Ajax director Menno Geelen

Three managers, early cup exits, and heavy criticism marked Ajax’s worst finish in decades, with up to 15 new players expected.

“Sh_t Season” says Ajax Director Geelen on disastrous 2025-26 campaign...

Ajax director Menno Geelen described the 2025-26 season as a “sh*t season.” The club finished fifth in the Eredivisie and only secured European football by winning the play-offs.

Fifth place equals Ajax’s joint-worst finish this century and is their second-worst since 1965. The Amsterdam club had three different managers during the campaign. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the League Phase and exited the KNVB Beker in January. Ajax eventually reached the Conference League qualifiers after beating FC Utrecht on penalties in Sunday’s play-off final.

Menno Geelen prijst de gastvrijheid van FC Volendam, ook na de teleurstelling van gisteren 🙌

"Daar heb ik groot respect voor" pic.twitter.com/edgVZwLqpn

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) May 24, 2026

Speaking to ESPN before Sunday’s match, general manager Menno Geelen gave his assessment of the 2025-26 season.

“I think, regardless of this afternoon’s result, that this has simply been a sh*t season,” Geelen said.

“Excuse my language, but I think that actually applies to everyone at Ajax. And certainly to the fans, who have given us fantastic support throughout the season in Europe - away games, home games, and last Thursday too.”

Ajax Director of Football Marijn Beuker speaks with technical director Jordi Cruyff

Ajax’s unrest spread to the top of the club. Reports suggest Director of Football Marijn Beuker will leave for Club Brugge, but Geelen believes calmer times are on the way.

“I think the coming period is going to be very busy. Especially for our technical staff. Jordi (Cruijff) is working hard, not just on the immediate future, but above all on next season. He’s doing that together with the team around him. We have every confidence that next year we’ll be competing for very different prizes than a place in the play-off final.”

Ending the season with a win after penalties! ❌❌❌#ajautr pic.twitter.com/dKWmagm0BW

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 24, 2026

Ajax enter the UEFA Conference League qualifiers in the second round, with matches scheduled for July 23 and July 30.