First Dutch Club to Win European Cup (1971)

Lore & Background

The 1970–71 season saw Ajax reach the 1971 European Cup final, where they defeated opponents 2–0 with goals from Dick van Dijk and Arie Haan to become continental champions for the first time.

In Their Own Story

The London fog hung heavy over Wembley, but inside the stadium, the air crackled with electricity. As the referee blew his final whistle, confirming a 2-0 victory, the silence of the Greek contingent was broken by an eruption of white-clad joy. Cruyff, sweat-drenched and grinning, lifted the silver trophy high above his head, the gleam reflecting in the eyes of thousands of traveling Amsterdam fans who had made the pilgrimage to England. It was a moment where history seemed to pause; the old order had fallen, and a new philosophy, born on the streets of Amsterdam, now ruled Europe.

Reader's Guide

Ajax's first European Cup victory came in 1971, after which they retained the trophy in 1972 and 1973, becoming the first club to win three consecutive European Cups since Real Madrid in the 1950s.

Did You Know?

• Ajax's 1971 European Cup win was their first continental title.
• Feyenoord won the European Cup in 1970, making Ajax the second Dutch club to achieve the feat.
• Johan Cruyff was named European Footballer of the Year after the 1971 final.