Jinairo Johnson

Jinairo Johnson (born 8 April 2007) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Eredivisie club AFC Ajax and its reserve side Jong Ajax.

Early life Johnson was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was raised in an athletic family of Jamaican and Nigerian descent.

Club career Early youth career Johnson began playing grassroots youth football at local Amsterdam amateur club AVV Zeeburgia in 2011 at four years old. In 2013, he was scouted by AFC Ajax and entered the youth academy at De Toekomst, developing through the age-grade ranks as a defensive midfielder and central defender.

AFC Ajax In April 2024, Johnson featured for Ajax U17 at the annual Future Cup tournament hosted at De Toekomst. He finished as joint top scorer and was named Player of the Tournament as Ajax won the competition.

Johnson made his professional debut with Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie on 13 January 2025, starting in a 2–1 away defeat to Jong AZ. On 26 August 2025, Ajax extended his contract through 30 June 2028, with Director of Football Marijn Beuker praising his defensive qualities, ball-carrying ability, and technical composure.

In January 2026, Johnson publicly outlined his primary ambition to make his official first-team debut for Ajax during the calendar year. Shortly thereafter, he realized this milestone by making his Eredivisie debut as a second-half substitute for the senior Ajax first team, before returning to feature for Jong Ajax the following day.

International career Netherlands youth Johnson has represented the Netherlands across various youth international tiers. He made three appearances for the Netherlands U17 in 2024,

Senior international eligibility Eligible to represent the Netherlands, Jamaica, and Nigeria through birth and parentage, Johnson was included in the Jamaica provisional 60-man roster on 19 May 2025 ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Style of play Primarily playing as a defensive midfielder who can also operate as a centre-back, Johnson is noted for his physical presence, tactical discipline, and strong ball-carrying abilities. Ajax technical director Marijn Beuker highlighted his defensive strength, technical proficiency, and driving dribbles out of defense.

Career statistics Club