Explore the most unforgettable Eredivisie football moments of the 21st century. From title-deciding drama to legendary goals, relive the highs of the Dutch league.

Most Iconic Eredivisie Moments of the 21st Century

The Eredivisie, the premier division of Dutch football, has always been a stage for dazzling talent, dramatic twists, and unforgettable moments. While some of the world’s greatest players have passed through the Dutch league, it’s the gripping storylines and iconic events that keep fans captivated season after season.

From historic title races to sensational goals and emotional farewells, the Eredivisie has delivered moments that define not only clubs but generations of supporters. In this article, we revisit the most iconic Eredivisie moments of the 21st century—those unforgettable scenes that continue to shape the identity of the MQM Bet league and Dutch football itself.

1. Ajax’s 2018–19 Title Triumph After Four-Year Drought

After years of playing second fiddle to rivals PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, Ajax’s 2018–19 Eredivisie title win was more than just another championship—it was a cultural reset. Led by Erik ten Hag, Ajax played breathtaking attacking football, powered by a new generation of talent including Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek, and Hakim Ziyech.

Not only did Ajax clinch the league title in emphatic fashion, but they also stunned Europe with a fairytale run to the Champions League semifinals. Their domestic dominance was confirmed with a 4-1 win over De Graafschap on the final day, cementing their 34th Dutch title and reigniting the Eredivisie’s reputation on the global stage.

2. Feyenoord’s 2016–17 Title Victory After 18 Years

One of the most emotional moments in Eredivisie history occurred in 2017 when Feyenoord, under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, won their first league title in 18 years. Rotterdam was painted red and white as club legend Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick on the final day to lead Feyenoord to a 3-1 victory over Heracles and secure the championship.

Kuyt’s leadership and loyalty symbolized the heart and soul of Feyenoord, making the triumph not just about trophies, but about the unwavering passion of fans who had waited nearly two decades to celebrate again.

3. Luis Suárez’s Rise at Ajax (2007–2011)

Before becoming a global superstar, Luis Suárez honed his craft in the Eredivisie. His time at Ajax saw him evolve from a talented forward into a goal-scoring machine and a cult hero. In the 2009–10 season, Suárez scored a stunning 35 league goals in just 33 appearances.

His tenacity, skill, and flair electrified the league, and he became Eredivisie Player of the Year before his transfer to Liverpool. Suárez’s era in Amsterdam reminded the football world that the Eredivisie is a finishing school for world-class talent.

4. PSV Eindhoven’s Last-Minute Title Win in 2006–07

The 2006–07 Eredivisie season produced one of the most thrilling finishes in football history. PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and AZ Alkmaar all went into the final day level on points. PSV needed a big win to overcome goal difference and did just that with a 5-1 hammering of Vitesse.

The last-day chaos, scoreboard watching, and wild celebrations at the Philips Stadion made this one of the most iconic title deciders of the century. It was football drama at its finest and a defining reminder of the unpredictable nature of the league.

5. AZ Alkmaar’s Incredible 2008–09 Title Win

AZ Alkmaar, a club outside the traditional Dutch “Big Three”, shocked the country by winning the Eredivisie title in 2008–09 under the brilliant management of Louis van Gaal. It was their first title since 1981.

With a young squad full of future stars like Mousa Dembélé and Sergio Romero, AZ dominated the season with consistency, tactical intelligence, and unity. Their triumph proved that tactical structure and belief could topple even the most established clubs in the league.

6. Ajax’s 13-0 Win Over VVV-Venlo (2020)

In a record-breaking performance, Ajax defeated VVV-Venlo 13-0 in October 2020—the largest winning margin in Eredivisie history. The result sent shockwaves across Europe, not just for its scoreline but for the ruthlessness with which Ajax approached the game.

The victory served as a testament to the club’s relentless attacking philosophy and highlighted the disparity between the top and bottom tiers of the league. Still, it became one of the most talked-about Eredivisie moments of the decade.

7. Steven Berghuis’s Controversial Transfer to Ajax (2021)

Steven Berghuis’s switch from Feyenoord to Ajax was one of the most shocking transfers in Eredivisie history. Rarely do players cross the fierce divide between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, but Berghuis made the controversial move, sparking outrage among Feyenoord fans and high drama in the media.

The move ignited further intensity in De Klassieker (the Dutch Clasico) and emphasized the high-stakes rivalries that make the league unique.

8. The Tragedy of Appie Nouri (2017)

In July 2017, during a preseason match, Ajax midfielder Abdelhak “Appie” Nouri collapsed on the pitch and suffered permanent brain damage due to cardiac arrhythmia. The tragedy shocked the Dutch football community and left a deep scar on Ajax’s golden generation.

The club and its fans honored Nouri throughout their 2018–19 title-winning campaign, with players like Frenkie de Jong dedicating performances to him. It was a moment that transcended football—uniting clubs, players, and fans across the league in support of a fallen star.

9. VAR’s Debut in the Eredivisie (2018)

The introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the Eredivisie in the 2018–19 season marked a new era of modern football for the Dutch league. As one of the first leagues to fully adopt VAR, Eredivisie matches became more scrutinized, with dramatic moments sometimes reversed or confirmed in real time.

Though controversial at times, the use of VAR demonstrated the Eredivisie’s willingness to innovate and stay aligned with Europe’s top competitions.

10. The COVID-19 Void Season (2019–20)

Perhaps the most unprecedented moment in Eredivisie history came in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the season being declared null and void—with no champion, no promotion, and no relegation.

Ajax were top of the league, but due to the government’s public health measures, the KNVB (Dutch FA) made the difficult call. It was a sobering moment that underscored how football, no matter how passionate, remains vulnerable to greater global forces.

Why These Moments Matter

These iconic Eredivisie moments reflect more than just goals and trophies—they represent the emotion, drama, and spirit of Dutch football. The Eredivisie continues to be one of Europe’s most entertaining and talent-producing leagues, offering a rich blend of tradition, rivalry, and surprise.

From fairy-tale title wins to emotional tributes and shocking twists, these events have shaped the modern identity of the Eredivisie and its standing in world football.

Honorable Mentions

• Memphis Depay’s breakout season (2014–15) with PSV before moving to Manchester United.

• Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s return to Ajax (2017) as a veteran leading a young squad.

• Ten Hag’s tactical revolution at Ajax, influencing both domestic and European football strategies.

Conclusion: Eredivisie’s Legacy of Moments That Matter

For a league often seen as a development ground, the Eredivisie has proven time and again that it’s a theater of real football emotion. Whether it’s a dramatic title race, a record-smashing goal fest, or a story of redemption, these moments live forever in the hearts of fans.

The Eredivisie isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a stage for football history in the making.

Do you love football with heart, history, and unpredictability? Then support the Eredivisie—a league where legends are born, moments become memories, and the game is always alive with passion.

Support the history. Support the passion. Support the league.