Jordan Henderson, the captain of Ajax and a well-known soccer star from England, has officially left the Dutch club. His exit was confirmed by both Ajax and Henderson himself after it was decided that his high salary was too much for the club to continue paying.
🇳🇱 Who is Jordan Henderson?
Jordan Henderson is a famous midfielder (a player who plays in the middle of the field) from England. He was born in Sunderland and began his professional career with Sunderland AFC. Later, he became one of the top players at Liverpool FC, where he spent 12 successful years. During his time at Liverpool, he helped them win the Premier League in 2020 (their first in 30 years), the Champions League in 2019, and several other big trophies.
In January 2024, Henderson joined Ajax, a legendary soccer team from the Netherlands. Ajax is known for developing young talent and has won over 35 Eredivisie titles, which is the Dutch top division.
Why Did He Leave Ajax?
Henderson still had one more year left on his contract, but both he and the club agreed to part ways early. The main reason was his high salary. Henderson was earning more than most players at Ajax, and the club decided it was better for both sides if he left.
According to reports, Henderson said goodbye to his teammates during the team’s training camp in Zeist, and now, it’s official — he is no longer an Ajax player.
What Did Henderson Say?
In a public statement, Henderson thanked Ajax for the opportunity to play for the club and to serve as captain. He said:
“To play for this club was an honor. To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so. My only regret is that we didn’t deliver more success for the amazing supporters.”
He also shared that he and his family felt very welcome in Amsterdam, where Ajax is based. He ended his message by saying he would give a more personal thank-you later, out of respect for the tragic news that happened just a week earlier — the death of two soccer players, Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
How Did Henderson Perform at Ajax?
When Henderson arrived at Ajax in early 2024, the club was going through a rough time. Their former manager, Maurice Steijn, and technical director, Sven Mislintat, had both left the club. Ajax was struggling in the Eredivisie, which is the top soccer league in the Netherlands.
But things began to change in the 2024/25 season, under a new manager named Francesco Farioli. Henderson became a key part of the team’s midfield and was named club captain, showing strong leadership on and off the pitch. That season, Ajax climbed up the league table and even led the Eredivisie for much of the year.
For a while, it looked like Ajax might win the league again — something they haven’t done since the 2020/21 season. But unfortunately, they lost momentum in the last five games and dropped from first place to second, missing the title.
Despite the heartbreak, Henderson remained positive. He supported his coach and teammates and encouraged everyone to stay united.
Soccer Fact: What Is a Captain in Soccer?
A captain in soccer is a player chosen to lead the team. They wear an armband and help keep the team motivated. Captains are often experienced players who can talk to referees and guide their teammates during tough matches. Henderson was Liverpool’s captain for many years and also led the England national team during some games.
Henderson’s Message After Coach Left
Right after the final game of the season, Ajax’s coach Francesco Farioli announced he was leaving. He couldn’t reach an agreement with the club’s top executives on future plans. Henderson, who clearly admired the coach, posted a touching message on social media:
“From day one, the energy, desire, and passion you brought to help this team get back on our feet… was nothing short of a miracle.”
This message showed how much respect Henderson had for the coach and how tough the season had been behind the scenes.
What Did Ajax Say About Henderson?
Alex Kroes, Ajax’s technical director, had kind words for Henderson:
“Jordan was a true captain… Through his mentality and leadership qualities, he made a significant contribution to our qualification for the UEFA Champions League and helped build the club’s elite culture.”
This means Henderson helped Ajax return to Europe’s most important tournament — the UEFA Champions League. That’s a huge deal, as only the best teams from each country get to play in this competition.
What’s Next for Henderson?
Right now, it’s not clear where Henderson will play next. But there are rumors that he might return to Sunderland, the club where he started his professional career. Sunderland just got promoted to the English Premier League, which is the top soccer league in England.
That would be a full-circle moment — coming back to the club that gave him his first chance over 15 years ago.
🇸🇦 Quick Note: What About His Time in Saudi Arabia?
Before joining Ajax, Henderson had a short time playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ettifaq, a club managed by former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Many big European players have recently moved to Saudi clubs because of the high salaries and growing investment in their soccer league. But Henderson left after just a few months and decided to join Ajax instead.
Henderson the Leader
Throughout his career, Henderson has been known not only for his skills but also for his leadership. He’s the type of player who encourages his teammates, works hard every day, and leads by example. At both Liverpool and Ajax, he earned the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Henderson’s time at Ajax may have been short, but it was filled with important moments. He helped the club recover after a rough season, led them back into the Champions League, and showed what it means to be a team leader. Even though he didn’t win any trophies in Amsterdam, many fans will remember his dedication and hard work.
Now, soccer fans all over the world are waiting to see what he does next. Whether he returns to England or takes on a new challenge, one thing is for sure — Henderson’s soccer journey is not over yet.
