Jordan Henderson is set to leave Ajax a year before the end of his contract, the Dutch club announced on Thursday.

The 35-year-old former Liverpool and England midfielder joined Ajax in January 2024, following a brief and controversial stint at Saudi club Al-Ettifaq. His move to Saudi Arabia had drawn criticism due to his previous public support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Despite the controversy, Henderson quickly established himself as a key player in Amsterdam. He took over as captain and played a crucial role in revitalizing the team’s form. Under his leadership, Ajax surged back into Eredivisie title contention and secured a Champions League spot, though they ultimately lost the title after squandering a nine-point lead with five games remaining.

Ajax Technical Director Alex Kroes commended Henderson for his professionalism and leadership, describing him as “a true captain on and off the pitch.”

In a farewell message, Henderson said, “Playing for this club was an honour; captaining it was even more special.”

He declined to elaborate further, citing respect for the recent tragic deaths of former teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

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