Mika Godts delivered a moment of pure individual brilliance that turned a routine Eredivisie fixture into a highlight-reel spectacle, dribbling past four NAC Breda defenders and the goalkeeper to seal Ajax’s 2-0 victory on Saturday night.
The Belgian winger, already credited with an assist earlier in the half, collected the ball in his own defensive third and embarked on a solo run that spanned nearly half the pitch. He evaded challenges from four opposing players before calmly rounding the keeper and sliding the ball into the net, doubling Ajax’s lead just before halftime.
That goal, described by Goal.com as “particularly remarkable,” echoed a similar solo effort by Zlatan Ibrahimović for Ajax against the same opponent in 2004 — a comparison that underscores the rarity and quality of the feat. Godts’ contribution was decisive: Ajax entered the break 2-0 up, and that scoreline held firm despite NAC Breda’s increased pressure after the interval.
The win moved Ajax into provisional fourth place in the Eredivisie, overtaking FC Twente, who were simultaneously playing third-placed NEC. Ajax’s lineup saw Youri Regeer return to the starting XI, displacing Ko Itakura, while Takehiro Tomiyasu served a suspension. NAC Breda, meanwhile, fielded an improvised central defence made up of midfielders due to injuries or absences.
Spielbericht breakdown: Steven Berghuis initiated the opening goal with a long pass to Godts, who laid it off for Oscar Gloukh to finish clinically. NAC Breda threatened early through Raul Paula and tested Ajax goalkeeper Wout Weghorst with a header, but the visitors settled into their rhythm. After Godts’ halftime masterpiece, NAC Breda grew more aggressive in the second half, winning a corner that Maarten Paes comfortably dealt with. Ajax struggled to adapt to the hosts’ physical approach but held firm, with Godts later forcing a save from Daniel Bielica and Rayane Bounida hitting the post in stoppage time.
NAC Breda’s best chance came late, when Denis Odoi swung in a cross for André Ayew, who shot wide from close range. The hosts never looked likely to score, and Ajax secured the three points without conceding.
The performance further cements Godts’ status as one of Belgium’s most promising exports. At just 20 years old, his combination of creativity, technical audacity, and end-product is drawing comparisons to the continent’s elite young talents. For Ajax, the goal was more than a moment of magic — it was a statement of intent in a tightly contested race for Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, in France, Lucas Stassin and Saint-Étienne suffered a 0-3 defeat to Troyes in Ligue 2, dropping seven points behind the league leaders. Stassin played the full match as Saint-Étienne’s central striker but was unable to influence the game, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of Belgian players abroad on the same weekend.
How rare is a solo goal like Godts’ against NAC Breda?
Goals involving multiple defensive eliminations before beating the goalkeeper are uncommon in professional football, especially at senior level. Godts’ feat — beating four defenders and the keeper — is particularly notable given NAC Breda’s improvised defence and the high stakes of the Eredivisie race. The last comparable Ajax goal against NAC Breda was Zlatan Ibrahimović’s in 2004.
What does this result mean for Ajax’s season?
The victory moved Ajax into fourth place in the Eredivisie, a position that secures Champions League qualification. With FC Twente dropping points elsewhere, Ajax now holds a temporary advantage in the race for Europe’s elite club competition, though the standings remain fluid with several matches left.
Is Mika Godts likely to attract interest from bigger clubs?
Given his age, output (16 goals, 11 assists), and the nature of his performances — including high-impact moments like the solo goal against NAC Breda — Godts is already on the radar of scouts across Europe. His ability to influence games individually increases his marketability, though no concrete transfer links have been reported in the cited sources.
