Ajax eye advantage as Gerard Joling quits, Johan Cruijff ArenA booked

Ajax could benefit from the news that De Toppers’ Gerard Joling has quit, freeing up Johan Cruijff ArenA’ for potential playoff use. The singer announced his departure after more than twenty years, saying he will concentrate on solo concerts at Ahoy and his own reality show Only Joling.

Joling’s exit and its ripple effect

Gerard Joling confirmed this week that he will no longer perform with De Toppers, opting instead for personal projects. He highlighted his upcoming solo shows at Ahoy and the continuation of Only Joling as his main focus.

Veteran pundit Johan Derksen argued that Joling’s departure marks the beginning of the end for De Toppers and could turn out to be good news for Ajax. He suggested the group’s star power was essential for filling the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Scheduling clash at the arena

Derksen questioned whether De Toppers can still attract crowds without Gerard, asking on Vandaag if the stadium will ever be full again. He warned that the group might launch a separate “Toppers” show in Ahoy, further diluting attendance at future arena concerts.

The former De Toppers frontman also dismissed the idea of bringing in Dries Roelvink as a replacement, calling the street‑singer “publicity‑hungry” and doubting his suitability.

Instead, Derksen floated the name of a younger performer who once appeared at the Oranje Summer festival – Samuel Welten – but expressed scepticism that such a move would satisfy the existing fan base.

Ajax’s own season has already been affected by concert bookings. Last campaign the club were forced into the Conference League play‑offs in Volendam after a Harry Styles concert occupied the arena, a situation the team hopes to avoid this year.

Complicating matters, De Toppers have already secured Johan Cruijff ArenA for 27 and 30 May 2027, dates that coincide with the potential play‑off fixtures. A spokesperson confirmed that holding a match a day after a concert would be impossible.

If the concert series continues, Ajax may still face a scheduling hurdle; however, Joling’s exit could eventually free the arena for the club’s use later in the season.