The 5 Biggest Dutch Clubs of All-Time
- Think Football Ideas
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
The 5 Biggest Dutch Football Clubs of All-Time Ranked
Dutch football, with its roots reaching back to the late 19th century, has long been a cradle of style, innovation, and success.
The Netherlands may not wield the same financial muscle as Europe’s richest leagues, but its leading clubs have consistently developed world-class talent, lifted major trophies, and staged unforgettable nights on the continental stage.
Even when resources are limited, they find a way to produce dazzling football and memorable European campaigns. With that legacy in mind, here’s our ranking of the five most influential Dutch clubs of all time.
Below Are The 5 Biggest Dutch Clubs of All-Time
5. FC Twente
Founded: 1 July 1965
Major Honours: 1 Eredivisie League Title
Nickname(s): The Tukkers, Pride of the East, The Reds
Although relatively young by Dutch standards, FC Twente has established a significant presence in the professional era.
Founded in 1965, the club quickly emerged as a competitive force, reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1975 and maintaining consistent top-table finishes throughout the 1970s.
Twente’s crowning achievement came in the 2009/10 season under Steve McClaren, when they narrowly edged Ajax to claim their first Eredivisie title in the professional era.
Alongside their league triumph, Twente have collected three Dutch Cups and earned multiple runners-up spots, cementing their status as one of the Netherlands’ most formidable clubs outside the traditional elite.
4) AZ Alkmaar
Founded: 10 May 1967
Major Honours: 2 Eredivisie League Titles
Nickname(s): De Kaasboeren (The Cheese Farmers)
Formed in 1967 following a merger, AZ Alkmaar entered the professional scene with ambition and quickly made their mark.
They captured their first Eredivisie crown in the 1980/81 season and stunned the league again in 2008/09 by interrupting PSV’s dominance.
AZ’s cabinet boasts two league titles, four Dutch Cups, and a memorable run to the 1981 UEFA Cup Final, where they narrowly fell to Ipswich Town over two legs.
The Cheese Farmers are known for disciplined management and strategic investment, as they continue to challenge the top tier of Dutch football and remain a respected force domestically and in Europe.
3) Feyenoord Rotterdam
Founded: 1908; 117 years ago
Major Honours: 16 Eredivisie League Titles, 1 Champions League, 2 Europa League
Nickname(s): De club aan de Maas (The Club on the Meuse), De Trots van Zuid (The Pride of South)
Feyenoord, affectionately dubbed De Trots van Zuid (The Pride of the South), has long been a pillar of Dutch football.
With 16 league titles and 14 Dutch Cups, the Rotterdam club boasts a trophy-laden history complemented by European glory. Feyenoord lifted the European Cup [Champions League] in 1970, secured UEFA Cup [Europa League] victories in 1974 and 2002, and captured the Intercontinental Cup that same year.
A club rooted in the community, Feyenoord has consistently produced talented players while remaining competitive both domestically and on the European stage, making them an enduring symbol of Dutch football excellence.
2) PSV Eindhoven
Founded: 31 August 1913
Major Honours: 26 Eredivisie League Titles, 1 Champions League, 1 Europa League
Nickname(s): Boeren (Peasants/Farmers) Lampen (Lightbulbs) Rood-witten (Red and whites)
Founded in 1913 for Philips employees, PSV Eindhoven has built a legacy as one of the country’s most successful clubs.
The Rood-witten have claimed 26 Eredivisie titles, 11 Dutch Cups, and continental honours, including the Champions League and Europa League. PSV has also finished second in the league 16 times, underscoring their consistency at the top.
They are known for developing talented players and competing fiercely against Ajax. PSV remains a dominant force, frequently challenging for the league crown and making their presence felt in European competitions with surprising victories.
1) Ajax Amsterdam
Founded: 18 March 1900
Major Honours: 36 Eredivisie League Titles, 4 Champions League, 1 Europa League
Nickname(s): de Godenzonen (Sons of the Gods), Lucky Ajax the Lancers
Ajax Amsterdam stands unrivalled as the Netherlands’ most decorated and influential football club.
Established in 1900, Ajax overcame early rivals to dominate Dutch football from the 1930s onward, with periods of supremacy in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2010s.
Their trophy haul is staggering: 36 league titles, 20 Dutch Cups, 4 Champions League trophies, winning three consecutively, and 1 Europa League title.
Beyond silverware, Ajax has shaped the footballing world through its youth academy, tactical innovation, and production of global stars. Despite challenges from PSV and Feyenoord, Ajax remains the ultimate benchmark in Dutch football.
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