The Netherlands is widely regarded as one of the most influential football nations, having produced legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Ruud Gullit. Alongside its iconic players, Dutch clubs have also achieved success on the European stage, but the foundation of this success lies in the domestic top flight, the Eredivisie.

Established in 1956, the Eredivisie was created as part of the professionalisation of football in the country, which had previously been played at an amateur level until 1954, although a national champion was still determined each year.

AFC Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord Rotterdam—commonly referred to as the “Big Three” or “Traditional Top Three”—have long dominated Dutch football. Together, they have claimed 63 of the 69 Eredivisie titles, with Ajax leading the way with 28 league triumphs, contributing to their overall total of 36 Dutch championships.

Only a handful of clubs have managed to break the dominance of these three giants. These include AZ Alkmaar (twice), FC Twente, Sparta Rotterdam, DWS Amsterdam—now playing in the lower tiers—and DOS Utrecht, which ceased to exist in 2004.

Each club’s kit features a star above the badge to represent 10 Eredivisie titles. The Hague-based club HVV Den Haag were the most successful side prior to 1956, winning 10 league championships between 1891 and 1914. As a result, they remain the only club outside of AFC Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord Rotterdam to have earned the right to display a star.

With PSV Eindhoven claiming their 27th Eredivisie title in the 2025/26 season, they continue to strengthen their standing among the Netherlands’ most successful clubs.