Future Cup | Participating teams in the spotlight: 'Valuable test'

Ajax: Hosts and title holders
The Amsterdam-based club are the current title holder during the thirteenth edition of the Future Cup. In the tournament's history, Ajax have claimed the trophy six times: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2024.

During the most recent edition, the title was won at the expense of debutants FK Partizan. In the final, goals from Jinairo Johnson and Sean Steur were enough to secure a 2-1 victory. Out of all the previous twelve editions, Ajax have played in the final eleven times. Only in 2016 (Arsenal – Anderlecht) were Ajax absent from the final.

In the past, several promising talents have represented Ajax at the Future Cup. Some of them were crowned player of the tournament. Among those honoured were Davy Klaassen, Matthijs de Ligt, Ryan Gravenberch, and Abdelhak Nouri. Last year, Ajax midfielder Johnson received that award.

Squad Ajax:

Anderlecht: A familiar face
The team from Brussels has become a familiar face at the Future Cup. Only in 2012 were the Belgians not present in Amsterdam. In the tournament's rich history, Anderlecht were crowned champions in 2011, 2013, and 2015. In 2024, Anderlecht reached the semi-finals, where FK Partizan proved too strong with a 0-2 win. They also lost the third-place play-off: 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain.

Several top talents have represented Anderlecht at the Toekomst in the past. Among them were Youri Tielemans, Dennis Praet, Jérémy Doku, Jakub Kiwior, and Anouar Ait El Hadj, all stars in the making.

In the week leading up to the tournament, we spoke with Simon Hanssens, the head coach of Anderlecht U17. "We think it's a wonderful and prestigious tournament. It's a major benchmark for our team. With many strong clubs and good youth academies, it's very valuable for us to measure ourselves against them. That’s why we're happy to take part every year." The coach is making his debut in Amsterdam. "It's my first year at Anderlecht and I'm being thrown straight to the wolves," he laughs. "I'm really looking forward to it."

What can the fans expect? "We're bringing well-rounded and technical players, and we want to dominate possession and play mainly on the opponent's half. We approach every match with the aim to win. And if we improve our performance in every game, then we can say the tournament has been a success."

Squad Anderlecht:

Bayern Munich: A return after a break
The German giants are back in the Future Cup line-up. Bayern Munich will be participating in the tournament for the sixth time this April. The last time the Germans were involved was in 2017, when Ajax defeated them 2-0 in the final.

Looking further back at the tournament's history, Bayern Munich were also present for the first four editions. In 2010 and 2011, the Germans finished third, and in 2012 and 2013 they ended one spot lower each time: fourth and fifth. Their highest finish was in 2017, when they made it to the final.

Squad Bayern Munich:

Paris Saint-Germain: Six in a row
The Parisian side are participating in the Future Cup for the sixth consecutive time this Easter, following their debut in 2017. In 2024, Paris Saint-Germain achieved their highest finish yet. After losing a thrilling semi-final against Ajax on penalties, they won the third-place match 2-1 against Anderlecht.

Ethan Mbappé was the standout player during the 2023 edition, when the French side finished sixth. The younger brother of Kylian Mbappé wore the captain's armband and, later that same year, made his debut for the senior team.

We speak with Paul-Samuel Bensadon, part of Paris Saint-Germain U17, who has attended three editions in Amsterdam. "The Future Cup is a tournament we always mark in our calendar. For us, the Future Cup is the best U17 tournament there is. It’s always a pleasure to come. The organisation is excellent, and last year we really enjoyed everything surrounding the tournament. The feedback from our players is always positive too."

The French, like the senior team, want to play attractive football. "We want to showcase that style of play in Amsterdam as well." We also ask him which major talents have taken part on behalf of Paris Saint-Germain in recent years. "There are six players who participated last year or the year before and are now playing professionally: Yoram Zague, Joane Gadou, Ethan Mbappé, Ibrahim Mbaye, Axel Tape."

Finally, when is the tournament considered a success for the French? "Even before we go, it's already a success. Whether we win or lose, it's a fantastic experience for our players."

Squad Paris Saint-Germain:

Athletic Club: Debutants from the Basque Country
The Spanish side Athletic Club will be travelling to the Toekomst for the first time this Easter to participate in the prestigious youth tournament. Athletic Club become the fourth Spanish participant, following FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla.

Squad Athletic Club:

Gamba Osaka: Debuting partner club
Partner club Gamba Osaka will also be present at the Future Cup. The Japanese side, who began their collaboration with Ajax at the start of 2024, are making their first appearance. It is not the first time a Japanese club has taken part. Sagan Tosu and the J-League selection have previously been involved.

Squad Gamba Osaka: