Eredivisie

The Eredivisie is the top professional football league in the Netherlands. It comprises 18 clubs that compete annually for the national championship. The competition was established in 1956 after the introduction of professional football in the country and is governed by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB). The league is known for its technical, attacking style and for developing young players who move on to larger leagues in Europe.

Each season runs from August to May, with teams playing 34 matches (home and away). Clubs earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The champion is crowned based on the league table, and the top finishers secure qualification for European competitions, primarily the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa Conference League, subject to UEFA rules and the domestic cup outcome. The bottom clubs are relegated to the Eerste Divisie, with promotion and relegation playoffs determining additional spots.

Historically, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord have been the dominant clubs, collectively shaping the league's history. The Eredivisie has developed a reputation for technical football and for producing talents who advance to major European clubs and the Netherlands national team. In addition to league play, clubs compete in the KNVB Cup, and Dutch teams regularly compete in European competitions, contributing to the league's profile in European football.