We meet two of the creators behind the countless brilliant works in their studio: Clyde and Eus. "Good to have you here," they say as they welcome us. The place breathes Ajax, its history, and above all the footballer Seedorf. The Ajax legend is the childhood hero of one of Kamp Seedorf’s founders. "I was always into graffiti, and Seedorf was one of my idols. I wanted to do something different, so around 2010/2011 I started Kamp Seedorf."
Almere and Banksy
"Seedorf is from Almere, and around that time the city was named the ugliest in the Netherlands," Clyde continues. "I was born in Amsterdam but was one of the first residents of Almere. One night, after a few drinks, we came up with the name and decided we wanted to make the city more beautiful. That's how 'Kamp Seedorf' was born. Our very first piece was also of Seedorf, one from his Milan days. It hung just fifteen metres from my house."
Clyde draws inspiration from Banksy, the famous anonymous street artist from London. "A friend of mine lived there and used to send me photos of his work early on. I thought it was brilliant, and that’s how it started." Why do people like it so much? Eus believes he knows: "Football in visual street‑art form barely existed at the time. We were the first. And you surprise people when suddenly there’s something on a wall they pass every day on their way to work, whether it’s Seedorf, a rapper or a folk singer."
Seedorf himself appreciated the gesture and quickly learned about Kamp Seedorf’s existence. "A friend of ours knows Clarence well and sent it to him. His first reaction was positive; he was happy with the support from the Netherlands. He was proud. We’ve met him once since, and he was very grateful. He told us he sees everything, that meant a lot to us."
They pour all their creativity, passion and love into their work, and it shows. Photos of previous projects cover the walls, paint splatters everywhere. How do they describe themselves? "We just do what we enjoy. Let's call ourselves creators, we don’t like being put into boxes," Clyde says.
One thing is clear: Kamp Seedorf has spent over fifteen years making things they think are cool. "We always try to keep things light. We don’t do political work; it's not for us to take a stance on that. There's already enough misery in the world, we want to create things we enjoy. The image has to be powerful; we need to feel it," Clyde adds.
Most iconic works
As the duo dip their brushes back into the paint to finish Seedorf's piece, our eyes are drawn to a framed letter from the late mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan. "Our tribute to Van der Laan is probably one of our best‑known works. When news broke that he was seriously ill, we went out that same evening to give him a boost. He was Ajax through and through, and we put up his portrait, titled 'Damsko Strijder', in Amsterdam. Shortly before he passed away, we received a letter from him saying he appreciated our work. After his death, his family asked if they could use the artwork on his funeral card. That gave the story a completely unexpected twist. Gives me goosebumps thinking about it," Eus says.
While we talk, Eus flips through scrapbooks. From Marko Pantelić to Stanley Menzo, from Andy Fordham to Frank Rijkaard, many familiar faces fill the pages.
The best piece? "Matthijs de Ligt at Amstel Station," says Clyde. "True, but the project with Gianluigi Buffon was our first one abroad," Eus adds. "Full of Italian paparazzi, and there we were wearing masks. But also the piece at the castle in Almere, our biggest action ever, was incredible. Or the Clarence artwork in Amsterdam's Schuttersgalerij, that was sick as well."
The pair fall silent for a moment, thinking. "There's just so much now," Clyde laughs. "America!", Eus suddenly says. "That was insane. The owner of an amateur club was on holiday in Amsterdam, saw one of our works on the street, and years later contacted us. He asked us to fly over and put up some pieces of his players. We're still in touch with him. Fantastic experience."
Seedorf 50 years
Working with Ajax for Seedorf’s fiftieth birthday "feels exactly as it should," they say. "It's a huge honour, and it makes us really proud. We once did something with Dušan Tadić, that was already amazing. And now Seedorf, with Ajax, for his fiftieth… it all fits perfectly," says Eus.
Grateful is the word Clyde uses to describe their journey. "Grateful for the people who appreciate our work. We always get great reactions. People stop to take photos or smile, that’s why we do it."
In their colourful studio, the men look ahead. "We'll keep making cool stuff, no doubt. Here's a little teaser: a big Ajax action is coming. We'll keep going until we’re walking with crutches," they laugh. "And we're hoping with all our hearts that Ajax gets back on top," the Ajax fans conclude.
