Tijani Babangida (L) and Abdelhak Nouri (R) have greatly benefitted from the Ajax generosity
For many young footballers, the dream is simple: sign for a big club, win trophies, and earn life-changing money. But beyond the glamour, there is a deeper question every player should ask: which club will stand by you when football is no longer the priority?
For many, Ajax has provided that answer time and again.
In 2024, former Nigerian international Tijani Babangida was involved in a tragic accident in Nigeria that claimed the life of his brother.
Devastatingly, his son also passed away the following day due to injuries sustained in the crash, with Babangida and his wife requiring urgent medical attention.
Ajax stepped in without hesitation.
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The Dutch club flew him to the Netherlands for treatment and, together with some of his former teammates, helped raise €150,000 to support him.
Ajax also committed to covering all hospital expenses, including those of his wife.
But the support did not end there.
Later in 2024, Ajax invited Babangida to attend their match against Almere City. The club created a special tribute video in his honour, celebrating his time in Amsterdam and reminding him that he remained part of the Ajax family.
It was a heartfelt gesture designed to lift his spirits and help ease his sorrow, even if only for a moment.
The same compassion was shown in 2017 when Abdelhak Nouri collapsed during a pre-season friendly due to a cardiac arrhythmia, an incident that tragically ended his career.
Ajax continued to pay Nouri until his contract expired. Later, the club agreed to pay his family €7 million and covered his ongoing medical care.
Ajax retired the number 34 shirt in his honour and on occasions post matchday updates at 7:34 am as a tribute.
At Ajax, loyalty goes beyond football. It is about standing by your own, in triumph and in tragedy.
FKA/AE
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