Top scorer Tolu predicts love at Ajax: 'In the stadium I am happy'

Ajax's 12-goal top scorer Tolu Arokodare has become a fan favourite and key figure in the dressing room, praised by manager Míchel Sánchez for his personality and team spirit.

Tolu Arokodare has established himself as Ajax's leading scorer this season with 12 goals and has quickly become a fan favourite at the Amsterdam club. The 25-year-old striker, standing 1.97 metres tall, is known as much for his personality and humour as his goalscoring prowess.

Manager Míchel Sánchez has nicknamed him "the special one", praising his ability to lift his teammates' spirits through jokes, dancing and calmness. "He's a real team player with an incredible personality. He has a big heart and plays with his soul," Sánchez said. The pair share a special bond built on what Tolu calls "tough love" — when he scores he playfully silences the manager, and when he misses the manager shouts from the sideline, but they laugh and embrace afterwards.

Arokodare's character extends beyond his relationship with the manager. He has shown support for injured teammate Kasper Dolberg by displaying his shirt after goals, and has repeatedly offered encouragement to struggling Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, believing they should support rather than compete with each other. His humility and lack of ego impressed journalist Willem Vissers at a press conference, who complimented rather than questioned him, noting Tolu's willingness to back up a teammate struggling after a €20 million transfer.

The contrast with his previous season is stark.