AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar is a club from northern Netherlands that became a respected force in national and European football. Founded in 1967 from the merger of two local clubs, AZ is known for its excellent work in developing young talents. The club represents the city of Alkmaar, famous for its traditional cheese markets, and its fans are passionate and loyal.

History

AZ won the Dutch Championship in 1981 and 2009, with the latter being one of the biggest surprises in Dutch football at that time. The club reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1981, demonstrating its European potential for the first time. Under the leadership of coach Louis van Gaal in 2009, AZ surprised by winning the Eredivisie with attractive and efficient football. The AFAS Stadion, inaugurated in 2006, is one of the most modern stadiums in the Netherlands; unfortunately, part of the roof collapsed in 2019 but was rebuilt.