Amrabat hopes to be 'big brother' to Ajax teammates: 'I want to be champion'

Amrabat, 30, joined Ajax on a free transfer from Fenerbahçe and is determined to win the Eredivisie title while mentoring young talents at the club.

Sofyan Amrabat has made his ambitions clear since arriving at Ajax: winning the Eredivisie title. The 30-year-old midfielder, who returned to the Dutch top flight after eight years away, has never lifted the league trophy despite previous success with FC Utrecht and Feyenoord, where he won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruijff Shield.

Beyond his on-pitch role, Amrabat is taking on a leadership responsibility off it. He is actively mentoring Ajax's young talents—including Abdellah Ouazane, Jorthy Mokio, and Aaron Bouwman—sharing experience and practical advice. He recalled recently coaching a fatigued young player to take an ice bath before matches, a technique he learned from former teammate Diogo Dalot, who picked it up from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Amrabat's move came through technical director Jordi Cruijff, who had previously tried to bring him to Barcelona after his impressive 2022 World Cup. Cruijff's personal approach—calling rather than messaging—resonated with Amrabat. The signing ended Ajax's 18-month search for a successor to Jordan Henderson. Amrabat plays the number six position, his preferred role throughout his career, and aims to bring balance and control to Ajax's midfield as the club pursues the league title.