Charity and legends: Ajax vs Barcelona in sold‑out Cruijff Arena

While the Ajax Legends battle the FC Barcelona Legends on Sunday afternoon in the sold‑out Johan Cruijff Arena, the proceeds from this spectacle go to the Johan Cruyff Foundation.

Charitable objective

The foundation, founded by Johan Cruijff, builds Cruyff Courts worldwide and finances sports projects for children who would otherwise have no chance.

Selections and past

The Ajax Legends are coached by Danny Blind, assisted by Sjaak Swart and Dick Schoenaker, and feature players such as Edwin van der Sar, Bogdan Lobont, Ricardo van Rhijn, Jan Vertonghen, Urby Emanuelson, Lasse Schöne, Eyong Enoh, Hedwiges Maduro, Vurnon Anita, Aron Winter, Siem de Jong, Rob Witschge, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Dani, Simon Tahamata, Mido, Shota Arveladze, Klaas‑Jan Huntelaar, Derk Boerrigter and Marko Pantelić.

Frank de Boer, Ronald de Boer, Jari Litmanen, Richard Witschge, Patrick Kluivert, Roger García and Bojan Krkic play one half for both teams, part of a group of 27 players who have played for both Ajax and Barcelona.

The Barcelona Legends include, among others, Jesús Angoy, Ruud Hesp, Aleix Vidal, Marc Valiente, Martín Montoya, Sergi Barjuan, Eric Abidal, Roberto Trashorras, Javier Saviola, Cristian Tello, Ludovic Giuly and Nolito.

On 17 November 2024, the Ajax Legends team coached by Louis van Gaal defeated the Real Madrid Legends 2‑1 thanks to goals from Shota Arveladze and Siem de Jong.

In addition to the players already mentioned, another 26 footballers have played for both clubs, including Johan Cruijff, Johan Neeskens, Ronald Koeman, Edgar Davids, Michael Reiziger, Marc Overmars, Frenkie de Jong, Maxwell, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luis Suárez, Michael Laudrup, Thomas Vermaelen, Oleguer Presas, Sergiño Dest, Isaac Cuenca, Gabri, Jasper Cillessen, Marc‑André ter Stegen and Jofre Torrents.

In women's football, Stefanie van der Gragt and Line Røddik Hansen also represented both clubs, while Renee van Asten moved from Ajax to FC Barcelona Femení last summer.

Although legends such as Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Phillip Cocu, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho often played for the Barcelona Legends in previous years, they are not present this year; however, Ronaldinho returns to professional football after eleven years as a player for Ravenna in Serie A.