Šutalo ‘Surprised’ by Ajax Captaincy, Now a Key Figure for the Amsterdam Club

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Josip Šutalo, the Croatian centre-back for Ajax, recently reflected on his journey with the club, recalling his surprise at being immediately named captain upon his debut and expressing his growing sense of belonging in Amsterdam. Šutalo reached a milestone recently, making his 100th appearance for Ajax, and feels increasingly settled within the club’s culture. The 26-year-ancient’s comments came during an interview with Ajax’s official club channels.

Šutalo’s debut for Ajax came on September 3, 2023, in an away match against Fortuna Sittard. What he didn’t anticipate was being handed the captain’s armband. “That had not been expected, no,” Šutalo said, as reported by the club. “I was novel, and so were a few other lads.” He explained that he had been informed he would be the third-choice captain, but with the first two unavailable for that particular match, he found himself unexpectedly leading the team. “I was a little shocked to be given the armband straight away in my debut, but I wore it with pride.”

The appointment speaks to the faith Ajax’s coaching staff placed in Šutalo even early in his tenure. It’s a testament to his leadership qualities, even if the moment itself was unexpected. For fans unfamiliar with Dutch football, the Eredivisie is known for developing young talent and providing opportunities for players to quickly establish themselves, and Šutalo’s story is a prime example of that dynamic.

From Dinamo Zagreb to Amsterdam: A Rising Star

Šutalo’s path to Ajax began with Dinamo Zagreb, where he progressed through the youth academy after joining from Neretva in July 2014. He made his debut for Dinamo Zagreb II in September 2018, and his first appearance for the senior team came in October 2019 in a Croatian Cup match. He officially debuted in the Prva HNL, Croatia’s top league, in July 2020. A loan spell to Istra 1961 in January 2021 provided valuable first-team experience before his return to Dinamo Zagreb.

The move to Ajax in August 2023, for a reported fee of €20.5 million, marked a significant step in his career. He signed a five-year contract, signaling the club’s long-term belief in his potential. Šutalo quickly integrated into the team, even being handed the captaincy in his very first appearance, as previously mentioned. According to records as of March 14, 2026, Šutalo has made 70 appearances for Ajax, scoring three goals.

Finding a Home in Amsterdam

Now, with over 100 appearances under his belt for Ajax, Šutalo feels firmly rooted in the club and the city. “I perceive at home here, I can say that,” he stated. “I’ve really gotten to know the club and the culture. I already knew that Ajax was a considerable club when I was at Dinamo Zagreb, and that’s why I came here. I’m experiencing that now.”

Šutalo highlighted Ajax’s commitment to youth development as a particularly appealing aspect of the club. “This club is known for its youth, and I see that many young players are given the opportunity to play for Ajax 1. I think that’s great to see.” This emphasis on nurturing young talent is a cornerstone of Ajax’s philosophy and has consistently produced world-class players.

A Teammate and Leader

Šutalo also emphasized the importance of team cohesion and his role as a leader within the squad. “The most important thing for me is that the lads accept me and that my teammates feel they can always come to me, on and off the pitch,” he explained. “I’m there for them, and they can always count on me.” This commitment to being a reliable and supportive teammate underscores his leadership qualities and his value to the Ajax dressing room.

Šutalo’s versatility and defensive prowess have made him a key component of Ajax’s backline. He’s known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure under pressure. His presence has been particularly important as Ajax navigates a competitive Eredivisie season and aims for success in European competitions.

On February 14, 2026, Ajax defeated Fortuna Sittard 4-1, with Šutalo featuring in the starting lineup. While he unfortunately scored an own goal in the 24th minute, the team rallied to secure a convincing victory. The match showcased Ajax’s attacking firepower, with goals from Jorthy Mokio, Rayane Bounida, and a brace from Mika Godts. Vitezslav Jaros started in goal for Ajax, with a defensive line including Šutalo, Lucas Rosa, Youri Baas, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Looking ahead, Ajax faces a challenging away match against Feyenoord on March 22, 2026, at 14:30 local time (UTC). This clash is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams vying for crucial points in the Eredivisie title race. Šutalo and his teammates will undoubtedly be focused on delivering a strong performance and securing a positive result against their rivals.

As Šutalo continues to develop and mature as a player, he is poised to turn into an even more influential figure for both Ajax and the Croatian national team. His leadership, defensive capabilities, and growing comfort within the Ajax system suggest a bright future for the 26-year-old centre-back.

What are your thoughts on Josip Šutalo’s impact at Ajax? Share your opinions in the comments below!