The GOAT of Dutch Football?
Dutch football is not just a sport. It is a melting pot of history, culture, and identity, and at its center stand three colossal pillars: the artists of Amsterdam, Ajax; the workers of Rotterdam, Feyenoord; and the innovators of Eindhoven, PSV. These three clubs, known as ‘De Grote Drie’ or ‘The Big Three,’ have dominated the Dutch football scene for decades.
This article, based on a 2025 perspective, provides an in-depth comparative analysis focusing on the deep roots of these three clubs—their history, culture, and the legendary players who graced them. How did Ajax’s artistic idealism, Feyenoord’s tough working-class spirit, and PSV’s pragmatic innovation come to be, and how did they influence one another? We will delve into the heart of Dutch football through their great legacies.
1. The Artists of Amsterdam: AFC Ajax
History: From Greek Myth to the Creators of ‘Total Football’
Founded in Amsterdam in 1900, AFC Ajax took its name from the Greek mythological hero ‘Ajax.’ The era that etched Ajax’s identity into the global consciousness was the 1970s, the ‘Gloria Ajax’ period, when they won three consecutive European Cups through the ‘Total Football’ revolution, devised by manager Rinus Michels and embodied by Johan Cruyff. Later, in the 1990s, a team of youth products led by manager Louis van Gaal once again reached the pinnacle of the Champions League, proving the enduring power of their philosophy.
Culture and Identity: ‘De Godenzonen’ and the Jewish Image
Ajax fans and players refer to themselves as ‘De Godenzonen’ (The Sons of the Gods), believing that they must win in a beautiful and creative manner. Furthermore, the ‘Jewish image’ is a complex and important part of Ajax’s identity. In resistance to anti-Semitic chants from rival fans, Ajax supporters began calling themselves the ‘Super Joden’ (Super Jews), transforming this identity into a symbol of pride.
10 Legends Who Graced Ajax
- Johan Cruyff: The incarnation of Total Football. He led a football revolution as both a player and a manager, winning the Ballon d’Or three times and captaining Ajax to three consecutive European Cups.
- Marco van Basten: An elegant and deadly striker. He left a phenomenal record of 154 goals in 174 matches at Ajax before moving to AC Milan to become a legend.
- Frank Rijkaard: A dominant player who ruled both the midfield and defense. A key figure in the 1995 Champions League victory.
- Dennis Bergkamp: ‘The Ice Man.’ Won the UEFA Cup with Ajax with his sublime ball control and intelligent play before becoming an Arsenal legend.
- Jari Litmanen: The Finnish genius who orchestrated the 1995 Champions League-winning team. Ajax’s all-time top scorer in European competitions.
- Sjaak Swart: ‘Mister Ajax.’ The club’s all-time appearance record holder. He was part of the entire golden era of the 1970s.
- Piet Keizer: Another great winger of the Total Football era. A one-club man who formed a formidable attacking line with Cruyff.
- Ruud Krol: An elegant and versatile defender who was one of the ’12 Apostles’ of the 1970s. The core of the Total Football defense.
- Edwin van der Sar: A revolutionary who redefined the goalkeeper position with his excellent ball control. A key player in the 1995 Champions League win.
- Edgar Davids: ‘The Pitbull.’ A member of the 1995 generation, famous for his iconic goggles and tireless energy.
2. The Workers of Rotterdam: Feyenoord Rotterdam
History: The People’s Club, A Gritty and Great Journey
Born in 1908 in the working-class district of South Rotterdam, Feyenoord is deeply rooted in the worker culture of the port city. The pinnacle of Feyenoord’s history is 1970. Under the guidance of manager Ernst Happel, they became the first Dutch club in history to win the European Cup, reaching the top of Europe before their arch-rivals Ajax.
Culture and Identity: The Port City Mentality of ‘Actions, Not Words’
Feyenoord’s identity is inseparable from its home city of Rotterdam. Hard work, toughness, and a pragmatic ‘roll up your sleeves’ spirit are their culture.
- The club’s motto, “Geen woorden, maar daden,” or “No words, but deeds,” perfectly encapsulates this city’s culture.
- Feyenoord’s fans are known as ‘Het Legioen’ (The Legion) and are famous for being the most passionate and loyal fanbase in the Netherlands.
10 Legends Who Graced Feyenoord
- Willem van Hanegem: ‘De Kromme’ (The Crooked One). The midfield commander of the 1970 European Cup-winning team. Combined genius passing with tough tackling.
- Coen Moulijn: A legendary left winger considered the greatest player in club history. Became a working-class hero with his dazzling dribbles.
- Ove Kindvall: The Swedish goalscorer who scored the winning goal in the 1970 European Cup final.
- Rinus Israël: ‘Iron Rinus.’ The captain of the 1970 European champions and a tough, uncompromising central defender.
- Dirk Kuyt: The modern incarnation of the Feyenoord spirit. Returned to the club in his later years and led them to their first league title in 18 years in 2017.
- Robin van Persie: A world-class striker produced by the academy. Possessed a magical left foot and spent the end of his career at Feyenoord.
- Giovanni van Bronckhorst: An academy product who succeeded at Arsenal and Barcelona. Returned as a manager to guide the team to the historic 2017 league title.
- József Kiprich: ‘The Magician of Tatabánya.’ A Hungarian cult hero who was adored by fans in the 1990s.
- Paul Bosvelt: The tough defensive midfielder who captained the team during their 2002 UEFA Cup victory.
- Julio Cruz: The Argentine striker who played a decisive role in the 1998-99 Eredivisie title win.
3. The Innovators of Eindhoven: PSV Eindhoven
History: A Giant Born from the Light of Philips
PSV was founded in 1913 as a sports club for the employees of the global electronics company Philips. This unique background, rooted in a corporation, is a key factor that defines the club’s history and culture. The absolute peak of PSV’s history is the ‘Golden Year’ of 1988, when, under manager Guus Hiddink, they achieved a historic treble by winning the European Cup, the Eredivisie, and the KNVB Cup.
Culture and Identity: The Pride of the ‘Boeren’ and Brainport
PSV is often called by the mocking nickname ‘Boeren’ (Farmers) by rival fans, but the fans have embraced it as a symbol of pride. In modern times, this has been linked to the image of the city’s high-tech hub, ‘Brainport Eindhoven,’ giving them the identity of ‘innovators.’
PSV has built a unique survival strategy in European football: becoming the best ‘stepping stone’ club for future superstars, especially those from South America. The signings of Romário and Ronaldo, who made their spectacular European debuts at the club, are prime examples.
10 Legends Who Graced PSV
- Willy van der Kuijlen: ‘Mister PSV.’ The one-club man who holds the club’s all-time records for both appearances and goals.
- Ruud Gullit: The versatile world-class player who led PSV to two league titles before moving to AC Milan.
- Ronald Koeman: A key member of the 1988 treble. A ball-playing defender with a powerful kick.
- Romário: The Brazilian genius forward who burst onto the European scene with PSV, scoring 165 goals in 167 matches.
- Ronaldo: ‘O Fenômeno.’ Joined PSV as a teenager and announced his arrival to the world by scoring 54 goals in 58 matches.
- Hans van Breukelen: The hero who secured the 1988 European Cup with a decisive save in the penalty shootout.
- Willy van de Kerkhof: ‘The Vacuum Cleaner.’ A midfielder who experienced both the 1978 UEFA Cup and the 1988 European Cup wins.
- Luc Nilis: The Belgian forward beloved by fans for his fantastic partnership with Van Nistelrooy.
- Mark van Bommel: A warrior who captained the team and dominated the midfield, leading PSV to four league titles.
- Arjen Robben: The world-class winger. Rose to global stardom at PSV, winning a league title and the Dutch Young Player of the Year award.
Conclusion: Different Paths, One Great Legacy
A Record of Glory: Major Trophy Comparison
| Trophy | AFC Ajax | PSV Eindhoven | Feyenoord Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 36 | 26 | 16 |
| KNVB Cup | 21 | 12 | 14 |
| Johan Cruyff Shield | 9 | 14 | 4 |
| European Cup / Champions League | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| UEFA Cup / Europa League | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Major Trophies | 74 | 54 | 38 |
Ajax are the artists, Feyenoord the workers, and PSV the innovators. The idealism of Amsterdam, the passion and grit of Rotterdam, and the pragmatism and intellect of Eindhoven are three different forms of greatness that sustain Dutch football. No single club could have become as great as it is today without the other two. The cultural, tactical, and sporting competition has forced each to sharpen its identity and evolve. These three clubs, competing for glory while walking different paths…
