‘Always in our thoughts’ – Ajax mark Abdelhak Nouri’s 29th birthday

Dutch giants Ajax have once again demonstrated that some connections in football transcend results and trophies, delivering a deeply emotional tribute to former midfielder Abdelhak Nouri on his 29th birthday.

In a brief but poignant message shared across the club’s official platforms, Ajax reminded the football world that Nouri’s presence still resonates strongly within the institution.

“Today marks your 29th birthday… you are always in our thoughts,” the club wrote, a simple statement that carried the weight of nearly a decade of collective grief, remembrance and unwavering support.

For Ajax, Nouri is not merely a former player. He represents a generation of promise, a symbol of joy and humility, and a reminder of how quickly football’s brightest lights can dim.

Nearly nine years after his career was abruptly halted, the club continues to honour him not out of obligation, but out of enduring affection.

From De Toekomst prodigy to fan favourite

Born in Amsterdam to Moroccan parents, Nouri’s journey through Ajax’s famed academy system began at just seven years old. At De Toekomst, the club’s revered youth setup, he quickly distinguished himself as one of the most gifted talents of his generation.

Blessed with exceptional vision, close control and an instinctive understanding of space, Nouri earned admiration from coaches, teammates and supporters alike. His style embodied the Ajax philosophy, elegant, intelligent and fearless.

He rose through the ranks alongside future stars such as Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, forming part of what many regarded as a “golden generation.”

Yet beyond his technical brilliance, it was his character that endeared him most to those around him. Soft-spoken and grounded, “Appie,” as he was affectionately known, carried himself with a humility rare for a player of such promise.

The day everything changed

On July 8, 2017, during a pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen in Austria, Nouri collapsed on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrhythmia. What followed would become one of the most distressing incidents in modern football.

A delay in the use of a defibrillator proved critical, resulting in severe and permanent brain damage. At just 20 years old, Nouri’s burgeoning career was over in an instant.

He remained in a coma for nearly three years before regaining consciousness in 2020, eventually returning home under the constant care of his family.

The incident not only devastated Ajax but also sparked widespread reflection across the sport regarding emergency medical preparedness.

Life after football

As of 2026, Nouri lives in a state described as “low consciousness.” While no longer in a coma, he requires round-the-clock care. According to his family, he communicates in limited but meaningful ways, subtle facial expressions, a raised eyebrow or a smile, particularly when watching football or interacting with loved ones.

These small responses have become powerful symbols of resilience, offering moments of connection that continue to inspire both his inner circle and the wider football community.

A legacy carried in number 34

Nouri’s influence extends far beyond his playing days. The number 34 shirt has evolved into a universal tribute, worn in his honour by several former teammates, including Justin Kluivert, Donny van de Beek and Sofyan Amrabat at various stages of their careers.

His case also prompted significant changes in football’s medical protocols, often referred to as the “Nouri Rule,” ensuring improved access to cardiac equipment and faster emergency responses during matches.

In 2022, Ajax reached an amicable €7.85 million settlement with Nouri’s family after acknowledging shortcomings in the on-field medical response. Yet in Amsterdam, his story has never been defined by legal outcomes.

Instead, Nouri endures as a beloved figure, one whose legacy captures both the beauty and fragility of the game. Each year, as his birthday arrives, Ajax’s tribute serves as a reminder that while his career was tragically interrupted, his place in football’s heart remains secure.