AFC Ajax movedly honored former midfielder Abdelhak Nouri on his 29th birthday, sharing a poignant message across their official social media channels. The gesture highlights the enduring bond between the Dutch club and Nouri, whose promising career was tragically cut short following a medical emergency in 2017.
In a brief but heartfelt post, the club stated: “Today marks your 29th birthday… you are always in our thoughts.”
Who is Abdelhak Nouri?
Abdelhak Nouri or “Appie” was born in Amsterdam in 1997 to Moroccan parents. He joined the Ajax Youth Academy at age seven. Nouri quickly became the “jewel” of the famous De Toekomst academy, impressing and winning plaudits for his incredible vision, technical dribbling, and humble personality. He was a key part of a “golden generation” alongside stars like Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
The 2017 incident
The promising career of 20-year-old Abdelhak Nouri was tragically cut short on July 8, 2017, when he collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen in Austria. The cause was identified as cardiac arrhythmia, but a critical delay in the administration of a defibrillator on the pitch led to Nouri suffering severe and permanent brain damage.
After remaining in a coma for nearly three years, he finally regained consciousness and returned to a specially adapted home with his family in March 2020.
Current Status
As of 2026, Nouri remains in a state of “low consciousness.” While he is no longer in a coma, he requires 24-hour care. His family has noted that he communicates in very limited ways, such as by moving his eyebrows or smiling when watching football or spending time with loved ones.
Legacy and the ‘Number 34’
Beyond his time on the pitch, Nouri’s legacy is preserved through the number 34, which has evolved into a powerful symbol of hope and tribute throughout European football. His tragic collapse served as a catalyst for the “Nouri Rule,” which mandated stricter medical protocols and the presence of advanced cardiac equipment at all matches to prevent similar occurrences.
In a display of personal solidarity, several former teammates, including Justin Kluivert, Donny van de Beek, and Sofyan Amrabat, chose to wear his number at their new clubs.
While Ajax reached an amicable €7.85 million settlement with his family in 2022 after acknowledging that the on-field medical response was inadequate, “Appie” remains far more than a legal case. He is still perceived and embraced in Amsterdam as a beloved figure who represents both the pure joy of the game and a sobering reminder of its fragility.
