Paul Winters
Mika Godts is the rising star at Ajax
STEFAN KOOPS / NURPHOTO VIA AFP
A stunning goal against NAC Breda has catapulted Mika Godts into the global spotlight. With blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and ice-cool composure, the 20-year-old Belgian winger seems to possess it all. But who exactly is this Ajax prodigy? Flashscore introduces Mika Godts, the latest gem from Amsterdam.
**His Journey**
Godts joined Ajax from KRC Genk in January 2023 as a promising but raw 17-year-old winger. He had already gained valuable experience with Genk’s U23 side in the Belgian second division, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances just before his move to the Netherlands.
Rather than thrusting him straight into the senior setup, Ajax allowed Godts to adapt to life in the city by playing for Jong Ajax in the Dutch second division. The club was enduring a turbulent period: a disastrous Champions League campaign, a sacked coach, internal tensions, and no replacement for Marc Overmars a year after his departure. The state of the club was critical when Godts arrived.
Nevertheless, he quickly stood out in Ajax’s youth ranks. His impressive start with Jong Ajax earned him a first-team debut just three months after his arrival, replacing captain Dusan Tadic in a 4-0 thrashing of Fortuna Sittard on April 9, 2023.
Godts continued to develop during the 2023-2024 season, making 16 senior appearances and nearly reaching double digits in goals and assists with Jong Ajax, despite a campaign interrupted by injuries. Then came coach Francesco Farioli and the 2024-2025 season. Godts became a key figure in the Italian’s system, which nearly secured the club’s 38th league title. His appearances jumped from 16 to 47, and he contributed to 15 goals in a defensively focused Ajax side, while also signing a contract extension until 2029.
Godts took two steps forward in 2024-2025, but he tripled his progress in 2025-2026, his true breakout season. While Ajax stumbled again – eliminated disappointingly from the Champions League and struggling to secure a direct European spot – Godts emerged as the sole ray of hope for the Amsterdam club.
The winger has evolved into a complete star, adding lethal finishing to his game and taking on absolute leadership of the squad. In 29 Eredivisie matches, Godts has recorded 16 goals and 11 assists, making him the co-MVP of the league alongside Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda (25 goals, two assists). He leads Ajax by a wide margin in both categories – Wout Weghorst (seven goals) and Oscar Gloukh (six assists) are distant seconds.
His peak moment arrived last weekend during an away match against NAC Breda. With Ajax fighting for the second and final automatic Champions League berth, Godts dragged his team forward with a world-class goal, leaving Clint Leemans, Raul Paula, Fredrik Oldrup Jensen, Leemans again, and goalkeeper Daniel Bielica in his wake.
**His Profile**
Mika Godts is a skillful and fearless left winger who constantly seeks one-on-one duels and never backs down. His light footwork allows him to create numerous scoring chances, where he showcases his sharp finishing and newly found goalscoring touch. Moreover, his playmaking ability has taken a massive leap, placing him among the best in the league.
The Belgian has attempted more dribbles (170) than any other player in the Eredivisie, completing 79 of them (46.5%) – the 13th best success rate among forwards in Europe’s top 10 leagues (minimum.
