Rayane Bounida Says Ajax Is Top of the World After Leaving Anderlecht

“Ajax is really the top of the world, not only of the Netherlands or Europe,” Rayane Bounida said. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder left RSC Anderlecht for Ajax, a move VoetbalPrimeur.be reported he made without a moment of doubt despite interest from other European top clubs.

Speaking on the Ajax Life Podcast, Bounida described what pulling on the shirt means to him: “You’re just happy to play in this shirt. It was always a dream for me. Now I’m living my dream.”

The move from Brussels to Amsterdam came after Bounida weighed up approaches from several big European clubs. “When Ajax knocked on my door, I didn’t need to know anything more,” he said. “Ajax is a big club when you look at the stories written here by legends. It wasn’t far from home for me. But for me it was really just Ajax.”

Thirty appearances after a 2025 debut

Bounida made his debut for Ajax’s first team in 2025 and has since played 30 matches for the Amsterdam club’s senior side.

Every Ajax player is a standard-bearer, says Owen Wijndal

The weight of the shirt is a theme that extends beyond Bounida. Owen Wijndal of Royal Antwerp FC, himself a former Ajax player, said anyone who pulls on the Ajax jersey carries the club’s name. “All the players who stand on our pitch have a certain quality to be able to play for Ajax,” Wijndal said. “If you’re wearing an Ajax shirt, you’re already a standard-bearer. I think you should always talk about the club with pride. I think most of us feel that way too. When we say Ajax is the best or biggest club in the Netherlands, we really feel that.”

Contract extension on the table

With 30 first-team appearances behind him and a debut season completed in 2025, Bounida’s reported openness to a new deal is the clearest next step in his Ajax story.

Questions readers are asking

How old is Rayane Bounida? He is 20 years old, an attacking midfielder who left RSC Anderlecht for Ajax.

How many matches has Bounida played for Ajax?

Is Bounida staying at Ajax long term?

Bounida’s season at Ajax continues to build: a 2025 debut, 30 senior appearances, and now an open door to a longer stay at a club he describes as the top of the world.