Discover how clubs outside Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord are reshaping the Eredivisie. Explore the rise of AZ, Twente, and more in the Dutch football league.

How Clubs Outside the Big Three Are Shaping the Eredivisie in 2025

For decades, Dutch football has been dominated by the holy trinity of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord. These “Big Three” clubs have historically controlled the Eredivisie’s title race, player development, and international spotlight. However, in recent years—especially leading into 2025—the power dynamic has been shifting. A group of ambitious, well-run clubs outside the traditional giants is starting to challenge the status quo in the Wicket71 league.

In this article, we explore how clubs like AZ Alkmaar, FC Twente, SC Heerenveen, FC Utrecht, and Sparta Rotterdam are not just competing with the elite—they are reshaping the future of the Eredivisie. Through smart recruitment, youth development, tactical innovation, and strong community ties, these clubs are proving that the Dutch league is no longer a closed shop.

The Big Three’s Traditional Grip on the Eredivisie

Before diving into the rise of the outsiders, it’s essential to understand the context. Between them, Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord have won over 80% of Eredivisie titles since its inception in 1956. Their dominance has not only been on the pitch but off it—boasting larger fanbases, richer sponsorship deals, and more global recognition.

This has often led to a cycle: the Big Three attract the best talent, win more trophies, and use their success to attract even more talent. However, cracks have begun to show in this dominance as smaller clubs invest wisely and close the gap both financially and tactically.

AZ Alkmaar: Pioneers of Disruption

AZ Alkmaar has arguably been the most consistent challenger to the Big Three in the past two decades. After their surprise league title win in 2008–09 under Louis van Gaal, AZ committed to a philosophy of sustainability, youth development, and attacking football.

As of 2025, AZ’s academy is considered one of the best in the Netherlands, rivaling even Ajax’s famed De Toekomst. Players like Teun Koopmeiners, Myron Boadu, and Jesper Karlsson have been developed and sold for significant fees, funding further investments. AZ’s data-driven recruitment and structured tactical approach under coaches like Pascal Jansen have made them perennial contenders.

In the 2023–24 season, AZ finished in the top three, knocking Feyenoord into fourth and demonstrating that the league hierarchy is no longer untouchable.

FC Twente: A Club Reborn

FC Twente’s story is one of redemption. After financial collapse and relegation in the late 2010s, the club has undergone a total transformation. A return to the Eredivisie in 2019 marked the beginning of a new era based on fiscal responsibility, youth integration, and tactical unity.

In 2022–23, Twente shocked the league by qualifying for European competition. By 2025, they are regular top-five finishers, competing toe-to-toe with the Big Three. What sets Twente apart is their connection with local talent, their intense pressing game, and a revitalized De Grolsch Veste stadium atmosphere that fuels their home performances.

They represent a growing class of clubs that combine passion with modern football principles—a combination that’s changing the Dutch league from the ground up.

SC Heerenveen and FC Utrecht: Building Strong Foundations

While Heerenveen and Utrecht haven’t won the league title in the modern era, they are two of the most important pillars of Eredivisie’s competitive depth. Known for their loyal fanbases and strong youth programs, both clubs are consistently producing players who go on to succeed at the highest levels.

Utrecht, in particular, has invested heavily in infrastructure, training facilities, and long-term coaching projects. They’ve managed to qualify for European playoffs three years in a row, often punching above their weight against bigger clubs.

Heerenveen, meanwhile, has become a prime destination for young Scandinavian talent looking to break into European football. Their smart scouting and player development are earning them respect across the league and beyond.

Sparta Rotterdam: The City’s Other Giant

While Feyenoord commands the Rotterdam spotlight, Sparta has quietly built one of the most exciting projects in Dutch football. A focus on nurturing homegrown talent and playing progressive football has seen Sparta climb the league table steadily since 2021.

Their 2024 campaign saw them finish in the top six, beating bigger-budget sides with discipline and a clear identity. Sparta’s ability to function as both a development club and a competitive side is a model other mid-table Eredivisie teams are starting to follow.

The Role of Youth Academies and Player Pathways

One of the main reasons smaller clubs are succeeding is their commitment to youth. The Eredivisie is arguably the best league in Europe for young players to gain first-team experience. While Ajax remains dominant in academy reputation, clubs like AZ, Twente, and Heerenveen are producing national team-level talent with increasing frequency.

This means that rather than hoarding players, the Big Three must now compete for prospects. Smaller clubs can offer immediate playing time, personalized development paths, and a springboard to bigger European leagues.

As of 2025, several of the Netherlands’ U-21 internationals are emerging not from Amsterdam, Eindhoven, or Rotterdam—but from Alkmaar, Enschede, and Utrecht.

Tactical Evolution Outside the Big Three

Another reason behind this decentralization of power is tactical evolution. Coaches outside the traditional elite are more willing to experiment. While the Big Three often carry the burden of expectation, smaller clubs can afford to be bold.

Whether it’s Twente’s high press, AZ’s positional play, or Sparta’s compact counter-attacking model, these clubs are offering variety and depth to the league’s tactical landscape. This diversity makes the Eredivisie more exciting, less predictable, and a breeding ground for managerial innovation.

Financial Parity and Smarter Club Management

While the financial disparity still exists, it is less crippling than in many other European leagues. Dutch TV revenue is more evenly distributed compared to the Premier League or La Liga, and licensing rules are strict. This means even smaller Eredivisie clubs operate within realistic budgets and can’t be outspent into oblivion.

Furthermore, club executives are increasingly data-literate, media-savvy, and forward-thinking. The rise of Directors of Football and technical staff with long-term plans is allowing clubs outside the top three to close the gap with superior planning rather than inflated spending.

European Performances: Gaining Respect Abroad

The rise of these clubs is not limited to the domestic league. AZ, Twente, and even Utrecht have had impressive showings in the UEFA Conference League and Europa League, giving Dutch football greater exposure on the continental stage.

These performances improve the Eredivisie’s coefficient, which in turn allows more Dutch clubs to qualify for European competitions. This virtuous cycle is helping break the monopoly of the Big Three while raising the profile of the league internationally.

The Future of the Eredivisie: A More Open League

Looking ahead, the Eredivisie in 2025 feels like a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. The dominance of Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord is no longer guaranteed. Clubs outside the Big Three are not only surviving—they’re thriving.

This shift is good for competition, for fans, and for Dutch football as a whole. It encourages innovation, rewards good governance, and ensures that no club can rest on its legacy alone. The league is becoming more open, more exciting, and more dynamic.

Conclusion: A New Era of Dutch Football

The story of the Eredivisie is no longer just about the Big Three. It’s about the rise of ambitious clubs like AZ, Twente, and Utrecht—teams that are proving you don’t need to be a historical giant to dream big in the Dutch league.

As fans, this is the moment to embrace the shift. The quality of competition is higher. The pathways for young players are wider. And the spirit of Dutch football—innovation, passion, and flair—burns brighter than ever.

Support the rising stars. Cheer for the challengers. Celebrate the clubs redefining success. The Eredivisie is more than just three names—it’s a league of opportunity, excitement, and growth.

Stand behind your team. Stand behind your league. Support the league.