Ajax and Club Athletico Paranaense (Athletico-PR) will collaborate on talent scouting and development in South America. The specific focus of this is on Brazil. The exclusive collaboration will last for five years, with an option to extend five more seasons.
For Ajax, this partnership offers an opportunity to strengthen its global football network and discover and develop talents. For Athletico-PR, the partnership opens the way to Europe. The Brazilian club can also use Ajax's teaching methods to benefit its own youth academy.
In 2018 and 2021, Athletico-PR won the Conmebol Sudamericana, also known as the South American equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. The Brazilian Serie A club was also runner-up in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, the equivalent of the UEFA Champions League, in 2005 and 2022.
Higher-level partnershipMaurits Hendriks, Ajax Sports Director: "This partnership signifies our will and determination to expand Ajax's global football network and scout top talent. We are delighted to welcome Athletico-PR to our network. It is a wonderful club that is renowned in Brazil for their innovation and methodology, not only on the pitch but also off it. Together with Athletico-PR, we can create a win-win situation that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of talent development."
Alexandre Mattos, CEO of Athletico-PR: "It is without doubt a partnership at a higher level. The Brazilian and Dutch football schools are two giants in world football. The advantages are boundless. I think both clubs can grow and further develop their processes for attracting and training young people."
Shared vision and goalsIn an increasingly global world of football, the partnership between Ajax and Athletico-PR highlights that joining forces is the key to shared success. The collaboration between the clubs reflects a shared vision and mutual goals. Both clubs recognise the importance of discovering and nurturing both players and the coaching and support staff behind them.
