Rafael van der Vaart: a true Ajacied to this day. With his refined technique, footballing intelligence, and Amsterdam bravado, the midfielder developed into one of the best players the Netherlands has ever produced. In this in-depth portrait, we return with him to the trailer park where he was born and speak with family, friends, and former youth coaches.
Damián van der Vaart is settling in well during his second season in Amsterdam. Ahead of the clash against PSV U19, we catch up with him after training and get to know him. "I’m not concerned with distractions; I’ve always been like that."
By signing his contract at Ajax, Damián van der Vaart follows in the footsteps of his father, Rafael. The seventeen-year-old left a good impression during his internship and did not need advise from his father this time. "I did not have to think about this for long."
How dramatic it ended, so dazzling was Ajax's European campaign in the 2002/2003 season. Under the leadership of Ronald Koeman, a new generation of Ajax talents showcased themselves to Europe. Together with coach Koeman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andy van der Meijde, and Cristian Chivu, we look back on this memorable UEFA Champions League season.