It was a wonderful Easter weekend at De Toekomst. Sold‑out stands, an outstanding atmosphere and the very best youth football you could wish for at U17 level. For almost three days, the fourteenth Future Cup was a continuous highlight reel, highlights that were broadcast live in full for the first time across Ajax’s media and social channels. Not a single Ajax supporter had to miss a moment of the fourteenth Olympia Future Cup.
Just after half past five on Easter Monday, Anderlecht captain Mattis Seghers lifted the coveted trophy. His Anderlecht proved to be the strongest side at De Toekomst on Monday. The Brussels club is a regular guest at the Future Cup and almost always challenges for the title. The 2026 edition was no different, with Anderlecht impressing on multiple fronts.
Lougmani wins the Noah Gesser Trophy
Anderlecht not only delivered a collective top performance, but also produced an individual standout in Lougmani. The striker was not only named Player of the Tournament afterwards, but also claimed the Noah Gesser Trophy, finishing as top scorer with five goals, more than any other player.
''I’m very happy that we won'', said a visibly proud Lougmani. He received the trophys from Ajax 1-player Rayane Bounida. ''These are bonuses, and they’re nice to take with you.''
Thrilling battle for third place
Ajax had to concede defeat in the semi‑final on the closing Monday, losing to their counterparts from Real Madrid on penalties. That result sent the Amsterdam side into the third‑place play‑off, where they faced Future United, a team composed of players from Ajax’s partner clubs.
''We want to entertain the crowd one more time'', Ajax coach Stan Bijl promised ahead of his team’s final appearance. And they did, because the battle for third place was absolutely thrilling. Luca Nas, Jeshurun Simeon and Imran Talai gave Ajax a 3–1 lead, which initially looked comfortable. However, Future United fought back impressively and equalised at 3–3 in the final minute. Penalties were needed to decide the outcome.
The shoot‑out started well for Ajax, with goalkeeper Giovanni van der Wijst saving Future United’s opening penalty. Unfortunately, things then went wrong for the Ajax youngsters. Three missed spot kicks, while Future United remained ice‑cold, meant the bronze medal went to Raymond Atteveld’s combined squad.
''It’s disappointing to give it away'', Nas reflected afterwards. ''We played a very good first half and then gave it away in the second.''
Despite the disappointment, Ajax U17 could still look back on a highly educational and enjoyable football weekend. On to the fifteenth edition of the Future Cup.
