Francisco Farioli leaves Ajax after losing Eredivisie title

Key Takeaways:

• Francesco Farioli stepped down as Ajax head coach after the end of the Eredivisie season
• The Italian led Ajax to a dramatic title race, but the club lost the championship to PSV Eindhoven
• Farioli has been linked with managerial roles at Tottenham and Roma

Francesco Farioli has stepped down as head coach of Ajax. The 36-year-old Italian made the decision himself and informed the management of the Amsterdam giants. Ajax officially confirmed the departure, which comes just one day after the end of the Eredivisie season. The Amsterdam giants lost the title race to PSV Eindhoven, despite holding a nine-point lead with five rounds remaining. The Italian coach was unable to hold back tears after the final match against Twente.

Farioli has decided to leave Ajax after careful consideration. The head coach has informed the club’s board of his decision.

Thanks for everything, Francesco! ♥️

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 19, 2025

“Being the first foreign coach of Ajax since 1998 and the first Italian coach of the club was an absolute privilege. Together with my team, we embraced this huge challenge with respect, responsibility, passion, and determination to succeed. Winning the respect and support of Ajax fans, which we felt throughout the season, meant a lot to me and my team. We experienced incredible and unforgettable moments together – a unique, intense, and emotional season where we shared faith, fighting spirit, and pride. In the end, we achieved our goal, fulfilled our mission,” the Italian said after his last match in charge of Ajax.

Farioli took over at Ajax a year ago, having previously managed Nice. He had a contract until June 2027.

Meanwhile, in England, his name has been linked with the managerial position at Tottenham, citing connections with Fabio Paratici, who is expected to return to London this summer as the club’s sporting director. Ange Postecoglou is likely to leave the club, regardless of the outcome of the Europa League final.

Farioli is also being considered as a potential successor to Claudio Ranieri at Roma.