Ajax, Real Betis celebrate Finidi George on 54th Birthday

Dutch Eredivisie giants Ajax and Spanish La Liga side Real Betis have extended birthday wishes to their former forward Finidi George, who turned 54 on Tuesday.

Both clubs sent their birthday messages via their official X handles.

Betis wrote: “Happy birthday, Finidi.”

Ajax also joined in the celebration, stating: “Happy birthday, Finidi George! .”

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Finidi began his football journey with Calabar Rovers, Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland), and Sharks, before making the move to Ajax in 1993.

During his time at Ajax, Finidi won three Eredivisie titles (1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96), two Johan Cruyff Shields (1994, 1995), a UEFA Champions League title (1994–95), one UEFA Super Cup (1995), and one Intercontinental Cup (1995).

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On July 10, 1996, Finidi transferred to Real Betis, where he helped the Spanish club secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga during his debut season (1996–1997).

That same season, he also played a key role as Betis reached the Copa del Rey final, scoring in the 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona.

Following Betis’ relegation in 2000, Finidi spent another season in Spain with Mallorca before moving to the Premier League to join Ipswich Town in 2001, where he scored twice in a 3–1 win over Derby County.