Mika Godts named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year
Mika Godts was crowned Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year 2025/26 during the Eredivisie Awards. The 20-year-old Ajax forward received the most votes from the eighteen head coaches. The award was presented by his ‘mentor’ Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Mika Godts was nominated for the award alongside Dies Janse (FC Groningen), Sami Ouaissa (N.E.C. Nijmegen), Mats Rots (FC Twente) and Kees Smit (AZ). After a close contest with Kees Smit, Godts was ultimately voted Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year by the eighteen head coaches and the national team manager. The award was organised in collaboration with the coaches’ union Coaches Betaald Voetbal.
MVP of the Eredivisie
The 20-year-old Ajax forward had already been named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month three times this season and was directly involved in 29 goals, scoring 17 and assisting 12. That made him the most valuable player (MVP) in the Eredivisie.
In addition, Godts was involved in 29 of Ajax’s 62 league goals this season (46.8%). This century, only Luis Suárez has been involved in a higher percentage of Ajax’s goals in a single campaign (48.6% in 2008/09 and 49.1% in 2009/10).
Godts also led the league this season for both total dribbles (190) and successful dribbles (85), while also recording the most assists from open play (11) and the highest number of chances created from open play (75).
Cruyff Court
The young Belgian received the award from his ‘mentor’ Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. In addition to the trophy, Godts will be given the opportunity — through the Johan Cruyff Foundation and the VriendenLoterij — to have his own Cruyff Court built at a location of his choice.
Previous winners of the award include Jorrel Hato (2024/25), Johan Bakayoko (2023/24), Xavi Simons (2022/23) and Jurriën Timber (2021/22).
Eredivisie Awards
The award was presented during the Eredivisie Awards 2026, broadcast live on ESPN. The Eredivisie Awards are an initiative of the Eredivisie, Women’s Eredivisie and ESPN. VriendenLoterij, PLUS and the Cruyff Foundation are partners of the Eredivisie Awards.
