While Spain has El Clasico and Germany has Der Klassiker, the Netherlands has De Klassieker – the rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord.
Both clubs make up the traditional ‘big three' in the Netherlands alongside PSV, but it is matches between Ajax and Feyenoord that every football fan in the country looks forward to when the fixture list is released at the beginning of each season.
Between them, they boast a plethora of domestic titles, including 52 Eredivisie titles and 34 KNVB Cups. Both clubs have also enjoyed success on the European stage over the years, with a combined five European Cups/Champions Leagues and three UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues.
Below, we take a deep dive into the history of the rivalry, in addition to a closer look at some of its most notable highlights.
History and origins of Der Klassieker
Like some of the biggest rivalries in world football, the rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord transcends football. In fact, the origins of this rivalry can be traced back to the 13th century, when both Amsterdam and Rotterdam received their city rights.
Throughout history, Amsterdam, the home of Ajax, has been known in the Netherlands as a place of art and culture. Meanwhile, Rotterdam, the home of Feyenoord, has been regarded as a city of grafters. In essence, there has always been a sense of Amsterdam ‘looking down' on Rotterdam. The saying ‘While Amsterdam dreams, Rotterdam works' sums the situation up nicely.
After the two football clubs were formed in the early 1900s, they quickly became emblems of these reputations. The first Ajax sides were made up of technicians, while Feyenoord's culture all about outworking their opponents.
It wasn't until 1921 that the two clubs went head-to-head in a competitive match, and almost instantly, an on-field rivalry quickly formed. The match initially finished 3-2 to Ajax, but the record books state that it actually finished 2-2 due to a controversial goal that Ajax scored.
The peak of the rivalry came during the 1970s and 80s when the two clubs were not only going head-to-head for league titles, but also in Europe. Feyenoord became the first Dutch side in history to win the European Cup in 1970, but Ajax followed this up by winning three-in-a-row from 1971 to 1973.
The rivalry off the pitch was also intense during this period. Riots and fighting were commonplace in matches between the two teams, both in and out of the stadiums.
One of the most fascinating stories in the entire history of De Klassieker came in 1983 when Johan Cruyff made the switch from Ajax to Feyenoord after a contract dispute. Ajax fans were naturally outraged, but Feyenoord's deep hatred for their rivals meant that the vast majority of their supporters protested the signing, despite Cruyff being one of the best footballers on the planet.
The Top 4 Most Controversial Football Transfers:
— The Extreme Football Enthusiast (@ExtremeFootbal4) February 27, 2026
4. Johan Cruyff (Ajax to Feyenoord 1983)
3. Mo Johnston (Celtic to Rangers 1989)
2. Luis Figo (Barcelona to Real Madrid 2000)
1. Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal 2001) pic.twitter.com/6AKP9SU8L9
The rivalry on the pitch tailed off into the 90s, but violence off it intensified. Things came to a head in 1997 when an Ajax supporter was tragically beaten to death by Feyenoord fans as part of an organised fight between hooligans from both sides.
Head-to-head record between Ajax and Feyenoord
In total, Ajax and Feyenoord have played against each other in 208 competitive matches. From these, Ajax have won 96, Feyenoord have won 63 and 49 have finished level.
The most recent clash took place in December 2025, when Ajax ran out as 2-0 winners. It was their third consecutive De Klassieker victory, but it is PSV who are the current dominant force in Dutch football.
In terms of honours, Ajax are firmly on top. De Godenzonen have won 36 Eredivisie titles compared to Feyenoord's 16, and 20 KNVB Cups to Feyenoord's 14. Ajax are also 4-1 up in the European Cup stakes, but nothing will ever change the fact that Feyenoord were the first Dutch team to ever succeed in Europe.
Key matches & iconic De Klassieker matches
9 October 1921: Ajax 2-2 Feyenoord
The first-ever clash between Ajax and Feyenoord took place in October 1921. The match originally finished 3-2 in favour of Ajax, but Feyenoord lodged an official complaint after the match in relation to one of the Ajax goals, which they felt was ‘illegitimate'. Officials ultimately agreed, and the result was changed to 2-2.
28 August 1960: Feyenoord 9-5 Ajax
The highest-scoring match between Feyenoord and Ajax took place in 1960 in Rotterdam. Feyenoord ran out as 9-5 winners, which was made all the more remarkable by the fact that just four years later, they put nine goals past their old rivals once again. In 1960, the result helped Feyenoord towards their sixth Eredivisie title.
18 September 1983: Ajax 8-2 Feyenoord
The significance of this match has more to do with what was going on around it at the time. Just months earlier, Johan Cruyff had made the switch from Ajax to Feyenoord, so the heavy defeat didn't do him any favours in his bid to convince Feyenoord supporters that he was all for them. In the end, Cruyff had the last laugh as he led Feyenoord to a league and cup double that same season.
6 May 2010: Feyenoord 1-4 Ajax
This was the last time that the two teams battled it out in the final of the KNVB Cup. Due to fears over fan behaviour, the Dutch FA elected to contest the final over two legs for the first time ever, and the second leg saw Ajax dominate Feyenoord in Rotterdam to win the cup courtesy of a 6-1 aggregate victory. A certain Luis Suarez was the star of the show for de Godenzonen.
7 April 2024: Feyenoord 6-0 Ajax
One of the most staggering De Klassiekers of recent years took place in April 2024. Ajax, who were enduring one of their worst seasons in history at the time, sank to new depths as Feyenoord put six past them, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Notable records in the De Klassieker
Biggest winning margin
Both teams have enjoyed victories by six goals over the other. Feyenoord defeated Ajax 6-0 in 2024, while Ajax beat Feyenoord 8-2 in 1983.
Highest-scoring fixture
The most goals recorded in a Der Klassiker came in 1960 when Feyenoord ran out as 9-5 winners.
Top goal scorers
Sjaak Swart is the record goalscorer in De Klassiekers, with 18 goals to his name for Ajax. Cor van der Gijp is Feyenoord's top goalscorer in this fixture with 14.