Joeri Jesse Heerkens

Joeri Jesse Heerkens (born 8 May 2006) is a footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Ajax. Born in the Czech Republic, he is a Netherlands and Czech Republic youth international.

Early life Heerkens was born on 8 May 2006 in Broumov, Czech Republic. Born to Hillebrand and Natasja Heerkens, he started playing football at the age of six. At the age of thirteen, he started attending sports boarding school in the Czech Republic.

Club career As a youth player, Heerkens joined the youth academy of Czech side TJ Slovan Broumov. In 2018, he joined the youth academy of Czech side FK Náchod. One year later, he joined the youth academy of Czech side FC Hradec Králové at the age of twelve.

Subsequently, he joined the youth academy of Czech side AC Sparta Prague in 2021. Three years later, he was sent on loan to Czech side FK Loko Prague, where he made nine league appearances. Following his stint there, he was promoted to Sparta's reserve team.

On 28 July 2025, Heerkens signed a contract with AFC Ajax until 2030.

International career Heerkens is a Dutch and Czech Republic youth international. During March 2023, he played for the Czech Republic national under-17 football team for 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification. In March 2025 played for the Netherlands national under-19 football team for 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification

Career statistics

Honours Netherlands U19 UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2025

Individual UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2025