The Future Cup is a breeding ground for talent. Some of the players who have participated since 2010 include Mauro Icardi, Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, João Felix, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ryan Gravenberch. Big names, outstanding players, but no one has played in a Future Cup like Jinairo Johnson in 2024. Ajax U17 won the tournament, Johnson received the tournament's best player award, and was (joint) top scorer. A historic, unprecedented achievement.
Johnson started playing football at AVV Zeeburgia, a talent factory in Amsterdam-East where Ryan Gravenberch also kicked a ball for the first time. He soon left Zeeburgia for Ajax, where he progressed smoothly through the youth academy. Every year, he is one of the best players of his generation, along with players like Aaron Bouwman, and plays for the national team of the Dutch national team.
In the U17s, Michael Lamey will be his coach. The former professional with PSV, AZ, and FC Utrecht, among others, currently works for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. He fondly recalls his time at Ajax with Johnson. "He's the ideal player to work with. Quiet, but on the pitch, he knows exactly what he wants. As a 16-year-old, Jinairo would watch footage of himself every week to improve."
Lamey praises Johnson's versatility. "I never knew whether he was a right-sided central defender, a holding midfielder, or a box-to-box midfielder. In the Future Cup final against FK Partizan (a 2-1 win, ed.), he started as a central defender, but he scored as a midfielder. One thing I do know: he's actually too good a player to be a central defender."
Since winning the Future Cup, things have been moving quickly for Johnson. He signed a contract until mid-2026, which was extended within a year to 2028. Meanwhile, he made his professional debut. He has now made nineteen appearances for Jong Ajax, most of which as a starter.
When he extended his contract, Johnson stated he preferred to play in midfield. Marijn Beuker, at the same time, described Johnson as a "strong central defender who can also play as a holding midfielder." It's certain that Johnson is both defensively strong and technically skilled. Lamey describes him as the "Yaya Touré" of Ajax, a powerhouse with quick feet. When Johnson performs one of his dribbles, his defining quality, the comparison is justified—although he's obviously still far from Touré's level.
The 18-year-old talent, who also holds Jamaican nationality, is ambitious. He wants to play in the Johan Cruijff Arena this year. According to Lamey, he has a bright future ahead of him, regardless of his position. "If he gets the chance in Ajax 1, he'll take it. Whether it's as a central defender, holding midfielder, or box-to-box midfielder—he can do it all."
by Roller95