Eredivisie unveils new match ball in 123 countries

Under the banner "Credit Where Credit is Due", Eredivisie expresses its sincere appreciation to all countries that have helped shape Dutch football over the decades. To mark this global gesture, the first editions of the Globall have been gifted to the football associations and professional leagues of all 123 represented nations. Notable current and former players such as Heurelho Gomes (Brazil), Steven Pienaar (South Africa), Lasse Schöne (Denmark), Karim El Ahmadi (Morocco), Zidane Iqbal (Iraq), Alen Halilović (Croatia) and Maduka Okoye (Nigeria) were among the first to receive a Globall on behalf of their respective nations.

The design of the Globall features a world map displaying all 123 nationalities that have played in the Eredivisie. The darker a country is shaded, the greater its contribution in number of players. At the center lies a striking red circle: the Eredivisie itself, the point where all these football cultures converge.

Jan de Jong, CEO of Eredivisie CV, commented: "So many great things come together in the Eredivisie: exciting football, lots of goals, talented players, packed stadiums, and a great atmosphere. That combination makes us the sixth-ranked league in Europe. The Eredivisie is unique, it’s a springboard for Dutch talent and a stage for young international players. That rare blend is perfectly captured in the Globall. And now, it's quite literally going global.’’

Since its founding in 1956, the Eredivisie has been a stage for young talent, football stars, and club legends from around the world. The growing presence of international players has steadily enriched the league, both culturally and competitively.

Top clubs by number of foreign players over the years:

PSV – 214
Ajax – 212
Feyenoord – 203
FC Twente – 196

At the other end, Go Ahead Eagles (69) and Almere City FC (31) have had the fewest international influences historically.

After the Netherlands, the top contributors of players by nationality are:

Belgium – 281
Germany – 189
Denmark – 171
Sweden – 114
England – 97
Morocco – 86
Brazil – 73
Norway – 65
Curaçao – 64

Foreign players not only bring technical skill and experience, but also cultural diversity, broadening the appeal of Dutch football worldwide.

Despite international influence, Dutch players remain the backbone of the Eredivisie. While only 3 foreign players featured in 1956, today over 54% of players come from abroad. Yet with 46% still being Dutch, the Eredivisie proves it remains a fertile ground for homegrown talent. By comparison, these shares are significantly lower in other top leagues:

Bundesliga – 42.3%
Ligue 1 – 38.1%
Premier League – 34%
Serie A – 33.4%

Danish players have played a notable role in Eredivisie history: Lasse Schöne holds the record for most Eredivisie appearances by a foreign player (459). Jan Heintze boasts the most wins (272) by a non-Dutch player. Danish players have scored the most goals of any foreign nationality: 1.810 in total.

However, the all-time top foreign goal scorers are:

Hallvar Thoresen (Norway) – 152 goals
Ove Kindvall (Sweden) – 129 goals
Dušan Tadić (Serbia) – 119 goals

The Globall is more than a ball—it is a symbol of heritage and future promise. It honors those who took their first steps here, and those international stars who left lasting impressions. Starting during the Eredivisie play-offs, the Globall will make its debut on Dutch pitches.