Emmanuel Nankeng Joins Ajax Youth Academy, Reunites with Triplet Brother After Seven Years Apart

Ajax has secured the signing of Dutch-born Cameroonian teenager Emmanuel Nankeng from AFC, completing a transfer that brings the 14-year-old midfielder back together with his triplet brother Yvan after seven years of separation.

The youngster, who had been playing for AFC’s U14 team this season, will join Ajax’s U15 setup for the upcoming campaign. His arrival marks a significant family reunion, as Emmanuel and Yvan will now play alongside each other again for the first time since they were in the O8 age group.

“I was shocked, because I hadn’t played with my little brother since the U8s. I was really happy when I heard that I had been accepted,” Emmanuel Nankeng told Ajax Showtime following the confirmation of his transfer.

The Nankeng triplets – Emmanuel, Yvan, and Stanley – began their football journey together at SV Hoofddorp. While Yvan was recruited by Ajax at a young age, Emmanuel and Stanley remained with their local amateur club until Emmanuel’s move to AFC ahead of this season.

According to Emmanuel, he played up an age group during his time at SV Hoofddorp, competing in the O14 category despite being eligible for younger teams. After spending the 2025-26 season with AFC’s U14 squad, he attracted Ajax’s attention following a strong performance against WV-HEDW, another Amsterdam-based amateur club.

The Ajax trial process consisted of three stages for the young midfielder: a match against FC Volendam, a game versus Almere City, and a final training session. After impressing during these evaluations, Emmanuel received the call confirming his transfer to the Eredivisie giants’ academy.

“My mother received a phone call and told me later. I was really very happy. I sometimes watch Ajax youth teams on YouTube and dreamed of playing there too,” Emmanuel added, describing the moment he learned of his successful trial.

The reunion with his brother Yvan appears to be the most meaningful aspect of the transfer for Emmanuel. Having not played together since their early youth days, the brothers will now have the opportunity to develop side by side within one of Europe’s most renowned youth academies.

Stanley Nankeng, the third triplet, remains with SV Hoofddorp for now, completing the family picture of three brothers pursuing their football dreams through different pathways in the Dutch football system.

Emmanuel’s move represents a continuation of Ajax’s strategy to identify and nurture young talent from diverse backgrounds, with the club maintaining its reputation as a breeding ground for future professional footballers.

The young Cameroonian-Dutch talent will now begin his Ajax journey with the U15 team, where he will look to create an impact alongside his reunited brother while continuing his development in one of world football’s most respected youth systems.

As Emmanuel prepares for his new chapter at De Toekomst, Ajax’s state-of-the-art training facility, the focus will be on how quickly he can adapt to the higher level of competition and contribute to his team’s success.

The Nankeng brothers’ reunion serves as a heartwarming subplot to what promises to be an exciting development journey for both young players within the Ajax academy structure.

For continued updates on Emmanuel Nankeng’s progress and other Ajax academy news, fans can follow the club’s official channels and dedicated youth team coverage.

The next checkpoint in Emmanuel’s Ajax journey will be the start of the U15 team’s pre-season preparations, with specific dates yet to be announced by the club.

What are your thoughts on this exciting youth transfer and family reunion at Ajax? Share your views in the comments below.