It all started with a photograph, but this isn’t your typical locker room tale. This is the story of Ajax, once a Champions League contender, now languishing in 14th place in the Eredivisie.

In 2019, Ajax came tantalizingly close to the Champions League final, only to be denied by a last-minute goal from Tottenham’s Lucas Moura. It was a remarkable journey for a club from a league often overlooked by big investors.

Under the guidance of football director Marc Overmars, Ajax had assembled a dream team with emerging talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech, and Donny van de Beek. The club’s thrilling style of play captured hearts.

But then, scandal struck. Overmars, a former player, was found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior, leading to his departure in 2022. This revelation exposed a hidden culture within Ajax.

Ajax thought they were untouchable, but the absence of Overmars, who had an eye for talent in Europe and beyond, took a toll. Key players were sold, and the club struggled.

The departure of coach Erik ten Hag to Manchester United further weakened Ajax. Inexperienced staff stepped in, leading to a disastrous season, with a 6-1 defeat in the Champions League and a third-place finish.

Amid financial challenges and criticism of transfer decisions, Ajax faced their worst start to a season in decades. To make matters worse, a questionable transfer sparked controversy.

Tensions boiled over during a match against arch-rivals Feyenoord, with fans demanding resignations and disrupting the game. It culminated in the firing of Sven Mislintat, who had been brought in to streamline the club’s finances.

Now, Ajax faces an uphill battle to regain its former glory. The club is divided, and the road ahead remains uncertain. For Ajax, it all began with a photograph, but the consequences have been far-reaching.