The Ajax players travelled all over the world to recharge for the 2026/2027 VriendenLoterij Eredivisie season. In high spirits, they reported back to sports complex De Toekomst. There, they spoke about their holidays and, before they could begin, each received a card with a question on it.
Lucas Rosa
"I spent a month in Brazil and it was really good. I did a lot with my family and friends: the beach, BBQs, etc. We’re starting with a new head coach and I know him from my time playing in La Liga. I think he’ll do well and we’re looking forward to a good season."
Which teammate did you speak to the most during the holidays?
"Maher Carrizo. We talked about all sorts of things. After my holiday, I also told him I’m taking him to a Brazilian restaurant in Amsterdam."
Steven Berghuis
"I spent just over three weeks in Miami with my family, which was lovely. Now I’m back and that always feels good. I came by bike – I’ve kept that tradition going. Unfortunately without Remko Pasveer, who was always my cycling buddy."
Which teammate did you speak to the most during the holidays?
"No one," he laughed. "I was in a different time zone and didn’t really have much contact. Everyone was doing their own thing and now we’ve got plenty to talk about here again."
Oscar Gloukh
"I had a good holiday, but I’m happy to be back. I was with my family and friends in Israel and Greece and I relaxed a lot. Like I said, I’m looking forward to the new season. Today we have tests to see how our holidays went. Of course we’re all looking forward to getting the ball at our feet, but that’ll be tomorrow," he laughed. "First we have to run."
Who do you expect the most from this season?
"Good question. I’ll say Maher Carrizo because he’s new and I’m curious to see what he’ll do."
Youri Baas
"I’m doing well. I went to Miami and then Portugal. Played some golf, recharged and now I’m ready to go. We had a decent break, so I’m looking forward to getting started and I feel good. Although I do think today’s running test will be tough."
Which teammate did you speak to the most during the holidays?
"I called Branco van den Boomen a few times. About how things were going for him in France and other things."
Kian Fitz-Jim
"The holiday was short, but nice. I went to Greece with friends and before that I trained a lot and stayed indoors. I’ve spent the past two months training with my own physio, so it’s good to see the lads here again."
Who do you expect the most from this season and why?
"Rayane Bounida. He had a good first season and I think he’s going to really make an impact."
Sean Steur
"I went to the South of France with my family. I got plenty of sunshine and it did me good. I’m happy to be back here. The tests aren’t anyone’s favourite, but they’re part of it and we’ll get through them. I’ve done enough over the summer, so I’m really looking forward to it."
Who do you expect the most from this season and why?
"Tough question. I’ll say Aaron Bouwman. I thought he did really well in the final two matches of last season after not playing for a while. If he carries that on, I have high expectations. And ‘Bouni’ as well. It’s nice that he thought of me during his holiday by wearing my shirt while training."
Davy Klaassen
"I did absolutely nothing, just took it easy," the Ajax player began. "A week in Turkey and two weeks in Spain – that was my holiday. It was great. I’m looking forward to a fresh start, but I already felt that after the match against FC Utrecht. You want to get going again quickly and do better than last year."
Who did you miss the most and why?
"That’s a good one. I didn’t really miss anyone because I knew I’d be seeing them all again. But I’m happy to be back."
Aaron Bouwman
"Finally got my driving licence," he began with a laugh. "I went to Greece with a few friends and it was brilliant. I’m really looking forward to it – new season, so it’s full throttle again. And those tests? They’ll be fine."
Which teammate do you expect the most from this season and why?
"Tough question, but I think Mika Godts again. I don’t think I need to explain why."
Dies Janse
"I’m doing well, definitely. I was in Greece and spent a few days in Sicily. It’s a bit strange being back: the same people, but suddenly a completely different building. Still, it feels good. Today it’s all about running and then off to the treatment room."
Which teammate did you speak to the most during the holidays?
"Anton Gaaei and Youri Regeer. We talked about golf, holidays and things like that."
Youri Regeer
"I had a brilliant holiday. I spent ten days in Sardinia and then two weeks travelling around the South of France in a camper van. I’ve been home for about a week now and you start getting that feeling again – I’m looking forward to it. Today we’ve got the tests and then tomorrow we’ll all be out on the pitch together."
Who is the worst loser and why?
"There are quite a few of them. I think Davy Klaassen or Mika Godts. They really can’t stand losing," he laughed.
Owen Wijndal
'" I went to Monaco, then Curaçao, and I attended Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s fantastic wedding in Italy. It was really beautiful. It’s good to be back. I did miss the lads. And the tests? We’ll get through them, even though it’s hot."
Which teammate did you speak to the most during the holidays?
"There were a few. I think Kian Fitz-Jim the most."
Mika Godts
"Very good," the Belgian said about his holiday. "I went to Spain and had a good rest. For the first two weeks I did nothing, then I started training. I’d be on the pitch early and afterwards head to the beach. I expect a lot from myself and hopefully I can have another great personal season and an even better season for Ajax."
Who do you expect the most from this season and why?
"Rayane Bounida. He settled into the team really well last season and I hope he can build on that this season. He’s got what it takes."
Maher Carrizo
"I’m doing well. I had a really nice holiday with my family, but I’m also happy to be back here. Absolutely."
Jorthy Mokio
"I went to Mexico, the United States and France. It was all great. During the holiday we were given a training programme and I also worked with a personal trainer. I’m fit."
Who do you expect the most from this season and why?
"Paul Reverson. His debut for Ajax’s first team."
Don-Angelo Konadu
"I relaxed in Morocco and Spain. I also trained a lot, but we’ll see how it goes in the tests."
Who did you miss the most and why?
"I spoke to Jorthy Mokio a lot, but I missed everyone. I’m happy to be back here."
