Where are they now? Marco van Basten Award winners since 2011 | OneFootball

When discussing Ajax, you can’t help but acknowledge their world-renowned youth academy, which has in the past been compared to Harvard University.

Hyperbolic as that may sound, there is a good reason why many have lavished praise upon De Toekomst (The Future, in English) if not outright attempted to recreate its magic.

Some of football’s greatest players walked through its hallowed halls, from Johan Cruyff to Dennis Bergkamp and Wesley Sneijder in more recent times.

To celebrate their steadfastness to youth development, the Amsterdammers have since 1994 awarded a Talent of the Year prize named after legendary marksman Marco van Basten.

Among the early winners are Benni McCarthy, Cristian Chivu, Rafael van der Vaart and Maxwell, all of whom have gone on to achieve great things. But what of the most immediate recipients? We’ve taken a look back at the last ten award holders see what they’ve been up to since.

2011: Christian Eriksen

Ajax appearances: 162

As you’ll soon notice, the relationship between Danish football and Ajax is a special one indeed. Søren Lerby, Jesper Olsen, Michael Laudrup and Frank Arnesen represented the club with great distinction and the same could be said for Christian Eriksen, who generated worldwide headlines before turning 20. An instrumental part of Frank de Boer’s three championship-winning teams (scoring 23 goals and creating 46 more across 94 matches), it was inevitable that he’d leave the Dutch capital and Tottenham ultimately won his signature. Eriksen’s stock rose substantially in North London, where he reached a Champions League final at the Amsterdammers’ expense. An uneasy collaboration with Spurs boss Jose Mourinho saw the Dane depart for Inter Milan, before returning to England with a brief stint at Brentford and continues his career today with Man United.

2012: Ricardo van Rhijn

Ajax appearances: 163

Career path: Ajax, Club Brugge, AZ, Heerenveen, Emmen, Karlsruher SC, Lisse, AFC

The loss of Gregory van der Wiel (another former Marco van Basten Award winner) to Paris Saint-Germain presented an opportunity for Ricardo van Rhijn, which he subsequently grabbed with both hands. Van Rhijn was another full-back who loved to get forward and lifted three consecutive Eredivisie titles before losing his spot. After registering 163 appearances in all competitions, during which time he created no fewer than 13 goals and netted six himself, the eight-time capped Dutch international relocated to Club Brugge but never really settled in Belgium before returning home. Van Rhijn joined AZ initially on loan before a spell at Heerenveen, whom he left in 2019 for FC Emmen. From there he’s continued his journeyman career at Karlsruher SC and Lisse before joining Amsterdam-based AFC.

2013: Viktor Fischer

Ajax appearances: 111

Career path: Ajax, Middlesbrough, Mainz 05, FC Copenhagen, Antwerp, AIK

Remember us mentioning the Danish-Ajax connection? Well, here’s another member of that club. Having been part of Ajax’s excellent 2011-12 NextGen Series team, and famously scoring a semi-final hat-trick against Liverpool, big things were expected of Viktor Fischer and for a while it seemed he was destined to fulfil those lofty expectations. A man-of-the-match performance against fierce rivals PSV in late 2012 (scoring once and creating another in a 3-1 home win) truly propelled him to stardom.

He ultimately couldn’t sustain those heights, with a serious thigh injury keeping him on the sidelines for more than a year. Understandably the Dane lost his spot and soon became surplus to requirements (leaving after producing 33 senior goals); he struggled to rediscover that old form at Middlesbrough or Mainz but has since joined FC Copenhagen where Fischer started to get back in the groove but he’s since hanged up his boots after turning out for Antwerp.

2014: Davy Klaassen

Ajax appearances: 327

Career path: Ajax, Everton, Werder Bremen, Ajax, Inter Milan, Ajax

Someone who came up with Fischer was Davy Klaassen and from the onset many, including his biggest supporter Johan Cruyff, saw great things. Once settled into Ajax’s starting lineup under Frank de Boer’s leadership, the aforementioned legendary ‘number 14’ favourably compared him to Toni Kroos and Xavi as an example of how a midfield player should dictate the game.

Like Fischer, he was dogged with injuries and consequently missed a chunk of his formative years. But that only spurred him on and in due time, Klaasen was named club skipper.

After leading the Amsterdammers to a first major European final in over 20 years, he’d depart for Everton but that spell in Merseyside never took off and he made just 16 appearances in all competitions. Werder Bremen acquired his signature, which led to a mini-renaissance that caught Ajax’s eye. After losing another youth graduate in Donny van de Beek, they re-signed Klaassen, he would then leave for Inter before making yet another return.

2015: Anwar El Ghazi

Ajax appearances: 100

Career path: Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa, Everton (loan), PSV, Mainz 05, Cardiff City

If there’s one position, bar the ‘number nine’ role, which has seen its fair share of personnel changes down the years, it’s on the flanks. The winger, it seemed, was becoming an endangered species, at least in the Netherlands, but those fears were soon alleviated in the early 2010s. However, gone were the days of his sole purpose being to hug the touchline while getting chalk on his boots and pumping cross after cross. Instead, the modern wide forward is an entirely new beast and in Anwar El Ghazi, who modelled his playing style on idol Cristiano Ronaldo, the record Dutch champions thought they had a perfect representation.

As you can see, there’s a noticeable pattern emerging: El Ghazi scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 31 league appearances during his breakout season. He then improved on this performance with eleven goals in four games fewer the next season. However, with the arrival of Peter Bosz, he lost his starting position, which ultimately led to his transfer to Lille, where he had a modest stint. Currently at Cardiff City—following loan spells at Everton, as well as time with PSV and Mainz 05—there was a moment not too long ago when he received an international call-up. However, it seems unlikely he’ll be recalled now that he is approaching his 30th birthday.

2016: Riechedly Bazoer

Ajax appearances: 71

Career path: Ajax, Wolfsburg, Porto (loan), Utrecht (loan), Vitesse, AZ, Konyaspor

The concern for Ajax in the post-Bosman era is the risk of losing young talents before they fully develop. All they can do is provide a roadmap for these players, but it ultimately depends on whether the players choose to follow it. For a time, Riechedly Bazoer appeared to be the dynamic midfielder Ajax was missing in their starting lineup. He quickly established a strong partnership with Nemanja Gudelj, but after experiencing both success and a lack of commitment, Bazoer lost his position and eventually left the club.

Wolfsburg had high expectations for him, yet he underperformed, and FC Porto, having signed him on loan, gave him only three senior appearances. The Utrecht-born footballer excelled at Vitesse and later at AZ, but he transitioned from midfield to become an accomplished center-back. Currently, he is playing for Konyaspor.

2017: Kasper Dolberg

Ajax appearances: 119

Career path: Silkeborg IF, Ajax, Nice, Sevilla (loan), TSG Hoffenheim (loan), Anderlecht

Kasper Dolberg was another young talent recommended to Ajax by the esteemed scout John Steen Olsen, who also played a key role in bringing Zlatan Ibrahimović to the club. With great expectations resting on his young shoulders, Dolberg embraced the pressure. His youthful brilliance shone through as he quickly became a goal-scoring sensation, drawing comparisons with the club’s all-time greats.

However, good times don’t always last. Changes in management and injuries led to Dolberg losing his position in the team, resulting in the supporters affectionately naming him ‘Goalberg.’ Realizing that a change of scenery was required, Dolberg moved on after scoring 45 goals in 119 appearances. He transitioned to Nice and then Anderlecht, where he is gradually rediscovering the remarkable form he once had.

2018: Matthijs de Ligt

Ajax appearances: 117

Career path: Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Man Utd

Once every generation, a talent emerges who seems wise beyond their years. Matthijs de Ligt, Ajax’s youngest-ever captain, fits that description perfectly. By the age of 20, it felt as though he had outgrown the Eredivisie, reminiscent of Ronaldo during his time at PSV in the mid-90s. De Ligt played a key role in Ajax’s remarkable journey to their first Champions League semi-final since 1996, two seasons ago. His leadership was instrumental in helping Ajax secure their eighth domestic double.

With a host of European superclubs vying for his signature, Juventus ultimately succeeded in signing him. His decision was significantly influenced by the opportunity to learn from legendary centre-backs like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. However, his stint at Juventus would be short-lived, as he opted for a move to Bayern Munich. Unfortunately, injuries and limited playing time restricted his appearances there.

De Ligt later reunited with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, where he plays.

2019: Noussair Mazraoui

Ajax appearances: 97

Career path: Ajax, Bayern Munich, Man Utd

Emerging around the same time that De Ligt’s skills were catching the attention of many observers and suitors was Noussair Mazraoui, a midfielder-turned-full-back who currently serves as Ajax’s first-choice right-back. At times, he has played in more advanced positions, particularly during his academy years. Given Erik Ten Hag’s tactical setup at Ajax, Mazraoui often assumes a role similar to an auxiliary winger. However, he has yet to reach the same level of impact as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Achraf Hakimi, considered the standout players in his position. Bayern Munich could not fully unlock Mazraoui’s potential, leading to his reunion with Ten Hag at Manchester United in the summer of 2024.

2020: Sergiño Dest

Ajax appearances: 38

Career path: Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan (loan), PSV

Sergiño Dest provided stiff competition for Mazraoui, keeping him on his toes. For a time, it seemed that the Dutch-born American international had the upper hand. However, for reasons unknown, he eventually found himself in a backup role. At times, questions were raised about Dest’s defensive abilities, with some feeling that his inclination to attack often detracted from his primary responsibilities, especially in monitoring the opposing forward. Nevertheless, no one could deny his obvious talent. Barcelona, under the management of former Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman, reportedly outmanoeuvred Bayern Munich to secure his signature. At Camp Nou, he reunited with his former Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong. Later, Dest went on loan to Milan before returning to Dutch football with PSV.

2021: Ryan Gravenberch

Ajax appearances: 103

Before leaving the Dutch capital, Frenkie de Jong’s successor was already identified in Ryan Gravenberch, who many believed had incredible potential. He would go on to prove himself as a formidable box-to-box midfielder, catching the attention of Europe’s top clubs. Bayern Munich ultimately paid for his services, but like his compatriots, he struggled to secure a regular starting position. Liverpool became his new home during what turned out to be Jürgen Klopp’s final season; however, the Dutch international played a minimal role at first. That changed when former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot arrived, coinciding with Gravenberch taking on a crucial role in Liverpool’s midfield. As a result, he developed into one of the Premier League‘s leading ‘number 6s.’

2022: Jurriën Timber

Ajax appearances: 121

Career path: Ajax, Arsenal

In recent years, Daley Blind has exemplified the multifunctional Ajax player, with Jurriën Timber not far behind. Comfortable playing across the backline, Timber has primarily been utilized as a centre-back, where he developed a strong partnership with Lisandro Martínez. Both players now compete in England’s top division, but unlike Martínez, Timber often finds himself playing on Arsenal’s flanks. Mikel Arteta uses him at either right or left-back. Although Timber has faced injury setbacks, whenever he does take the field for the Gunners, the Dutch international proves to be a valuable asset to the title challengers.

2023: Kenneth Taylor

Ajax appearances: 130

Career path: Ajax

Playing in an underperforming Ajax side often invites unwarranted criticism, especially considering that Kenneth Taylor began his career during the club’s most challenging years in recent memory. Despite some inconsistent performances—an expected outcome given the team’s struggles—there have been a few bright spots, including an incredible winner against Molde in the Conference League.

2024: Jorrel Hato

Ajax appearances: 77

Career path: Ajax

Hato is the latest gem from the never-ending conveyor belt of talent. Before securing a spot in Ajax’s starting lineup, he was already associated with several clubs. He stood out during a dramatic 2023/24 campaign and has improved even further under the leadership of Francesco Farioli. Although he played as a central defender last season, he has transitioned into a left-back role this year.