⚽ The Eredivisie – The Heart of Dutch Football 🇳🇱
The Eredivisie, which means “Honor Division,” is the top football league in the Netherlands. It officially kicked off in 1956, marking the start of professional football in the country.
Before that, football in the Netherlands was mostly amateur. Teams played in regional competitions, and the champions were decided through playoffs between regions. But after seeing how popular professional football became across Europe, the Dutch decided it was time to build their own professional league — and that’s how the Eredivisie was born.
The first season took place in 1956–57, with 18 teams fighting for the very first title.
🏆 The Rise of the Big Three
From the start, three clubs quickly rose above the rest — Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord. Together, they became known as “The Big Three”, dominating Dutch football for decades.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Ajax became a global powerhouse under the genius of Johan Cruyff. Their famous style, Total Football, changed how the game was played — players swapped positions freely, and the team played with incredible movement and creativity.
At the same time, Feyenoord made history by becoming the first Dutch club to win the European Cup (now the Champions League) in 1970. Then came PSV Eindhoven, who rose strongly in the 1970s and 80s, building a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected clubs.
🌍 The Golden Generations
During the 1980s and 1990s, the Eredivisie produced some of the greatest Dutch players ever. Names like Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, and Ronald Koeman all came from this league before shining on the world stage.
In the mid-1990s, Ajax reached another golden age. Under coach Louis van Gaal, they played stunning football and won the 1995 Champions League with a team full of young stars — including Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, and Patrick Kluivert. That team became a symbol of Dutch football’s beauty and intelligence.
⚙️ A League Built on Talent
The 2000s showed that the Eredivisie wasn’t just about the Big Three. AZ Alkmaar, led by Van Gaal, shocked everyone by winning the league in 2009. A year later, Twente claimed their first-ever Eredivisie title, proving that smaller clubs could also rise to the top.
Meanwhile, PSV and Ajax continued to produce amazing players — from Arjen Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooy to Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt in recent years.
Ajax’s incredible 2018–19 Champions League run reminded the world how special Dutch football is. They knocked out Real Madrid and Juventus with a fearless young team that played breathtaking football.
🏟️ How the Eredivisie Works
Teams: 18
Matches: 34 per season (home and away)
Points: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw
Relegation: The bottom team goes down to the Eerste Divisie, while the 16th and 17th teams play in relegation playoffs
It’s a league known for its attacking football, youth academies, and entertaining matches — you’ll rarely see a dull game in the Eredivisie!
🌟 Clubs That Define Dutch Football
Ajax Amsterdam – The most successful club, famous for its youth system and attacking style.
PSV Eindhoven – Consistent, professional, and always fighting for the title.
Feyenoord Rotterdam – The working-class pride of Rotterdam and European champions in 1970.
AZ Alkmaar – Smartly run and often a surprise contender.
FC Twente – A symbol of passion and hard work, with their 2010 title still remembered fondly.
👑 Dutch Legends Born in the Eredivisie
Johan Cruyff – The man who changed football forever.
Marco van Basten – A striker of elegance and power.
Ruud Gullit – A true leader and football icon.
Arjen Robben – Speed, skill, and that famous left foot.
Robin van Persie – Feyenoord’s hero and Premier League lege
🌐 The Eredivisie Today
Even today, the Eredivisie remains one of the most exciting leagues in Europe. It may not have the same money as England or Spain, but it has something more important — soul, style, and passion.
Fans fill stadiums like the Johan Cruyff Arena, De Kuip, and Philips Stadion every week. And every season, the league introduces the world to new young talents ready to take on football’s biggest stages.
The Eredivisie is not just a league — it’s a tradition, a school of football, and a symbol of Dutch creativity.
📅 Quick Facts
Founded: 1956
Country: Netherlands 🇳🇱
Teams: 18
Most Titles: Ajax (35+)
Governing Body: KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association)
Who Created the Eredivisie? ⚽
The Eredivisie, the top football league in the Netherlands, was officially founded in 1956. It wasn’t the work of a single person — the league was created by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Before the Eredivisie, Dutch football was mostly amateur, with teams competing in regional leagues. As professional football grew across Europe in the 1950s, the KNVB decided it was time to create a national professional league, and that’s how the Eredivisie was born.
Since then, it has become the heart of Dutch football, producing world-class players and thrilling fans with exciting matches every season.