No club has shaped football’s ideas like Ajax, whose academy has produced a stream of world-changing talent. These are the ten greatest sons of Amsterdam.

1. 1

   Johan Cruyff

   Ajax · Netherlands

   The philosopher-player at the heart of Total Football and three straight European Cups.

2. 2

   Marco van Basten

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A phenomenal young goalscorer who broke records before continental stardom.

3. 3

   Piet Keizer

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A brilliant winger and, to many in Amsterdam, the club’s truest great.

4. 4

   Johan Neeskens

   Ajax · Netherlands

   Cruyff’s dynamic midfield partner in the all-conquering European side.

5. 5

   Dennis Bergkamp

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A forward of sublime touch who graduated from the academy to greatness.

6. 6

   Sjaak Swart

   Ajax · Netherlands

   Mr Ajax, the club’s record appearance-maker and a one-club loyalist.

7. 7

   Ruud Krol

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A versatile, elegant defender at the core of the 1970s dynasty.

8. 8

   Frank Rijkaard

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A commanding midfielder and defender of rare class in his Amsterdam years.

9. 9

   Edwin van der Sar

   Ajax · Netherlands

   A modern goalkeeping great who won the Champions League with the 1995 side.

10. 10

    Patrick Kluivert

    Ajax · Netherlands

    The teenager whose goal won the 1995 Champions League final.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.