De Klassieker

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The roots of this rivalry stretch back to the 13th-century city rights of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but the football battle began on 9 October 1921. The first encounter in Rotterdam ended controversially; initially awarded a 3–2 victory for Ajax, it was later officially declared a 2–2 draw following Feyenoord's protest over a dubious goal. In the 1930s and 40s, the rivalry extended to stadium size bragging rights. The Olympic Stadium (31,600 capacity) held the record until Feyenoord opened De Kuip in 1937 with 64,000 seats. Ajax added a second ring to their venue that same year, but Feyenoord expanded De Kuip again to 69,000 by 1949. A unique gap occurred from the 1947–48 season through 1955–56 when no competitive matches were played because Feyenoord never won their regional league to reach the Championship Playoff against Ajax. Competitive fixtures resumed only after the single national Eredivisie replaced regional leagues in 1956–57.

In Their Own Story

The rivalry reached its zenith in the early 1970s when both clubs were arguably the best in the world, with riots breaking out among fans. Ajax won three European Cups and an Intercontinental Cup during this era, while Feyenoord secured one of each plus a UEFA Cup—firsts for any Dutch club. This success filled the Netherlands squad for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups with players displaying 'Total Football.' The tension spiked in 1980–81 when Wim Jansen moved from Feyenoord to Ajax, where an iceball was thrown at his eye on his debut against his former club. It intensified further in 1983–84 when Ajax legend Johan Cruyff transferred to Feyenoord after a contract dispute. Fans protested with banners reading 'Feyenoord Forever, Cruijff Never,' and he faced constant jeering that season. That same year saw Feyenoord suffer their worst-ever loss, 8–2 in Amsterdam, though they still won the league and cup. On 7 April 2024, Feyenoord achieved a historic 6–0 victory over Ajax, marking the biggest win for them and the heaviest Eredivisie defeat for Ajax.

Reader's Guide

Attending De Klassieker requires navigating intense security due to a history of violence dating back to the 1970s. The most infamous incident occurred in Beverwijk in 1997, where Ajax fan Carlo Picornie was beaten to death, leading to strict KNVB policies and matches played without away fans that season. Further violence erupted in April 2005 when travelling Ajax fans demolished their train, and Feyenoord supporters clashed with police outside the stadium after a loss. In February 2016, an effigy of Kenneth Vermeer was hanged at the Amsterdam Arena, prompting the closure of the VAK410 section for the next derby. Antisemitic chants are unfortunately common from opposing fans due to Ajax's association with the Jewish community. Matches have also been suspended by police strikes, such as the one scheduled for 1 September 2024. In March 2015, an arson attack on the Ajax clubhouse was suspected to be the work of Feyenoord fans, though the cause remains officially unknown.

Did You Know?

• The first match between the clubs was declared a 2–2 draw after Feyenoord protested a dubious goal that had initially given Ajax a 3–2 win.
• From 1947–48 to 1955–56, no competitive matches were played because Feyenoord failed to qualify for the Championship Playoff against Ajax.
• The highest-scoring match occurred in the 1960–61 season, ending 9–5 in favor of Feyenoord.
• Johan Cruyff's transfer from Ajax to Feyenoord in 1983 angered both fanbases, leading to banners reading 'Feyenoord Forever, Cruijff Never'.
• On 7 April 2024, Feyenoord defeated Ajax 6–0, the biggest victory for Feyenoord and the heaviest loss ever for Ajax in the Eredivisie.