AZ Alkmaar Football Club, often referred to as "AZ," was founded in 1967 and is located in the city of Alkmaar, Netherlands. It is a Dutch professional football club. In 1981, Alkmaar won the Eredivisie title, becoming the only team besides the "Big Three" of Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV Eindhoven to win the league between 1965 and 2009. In the same season, Alkmaar reached the final of the UEFA Cup, losing 4-5 to Ipswich. The following year, in the second round of the European Cup, they lost to Liverpool with an aggregate score of 2-3.
In 1981, AZ Alkmaar won the Eredivisie title, becoming the only team besides the "big three" of Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV Eindhoven to win the league in the 44-year period from 1965 to 2009. In the same season, AZ Alkmaar reached the final of the UEFA Europa League (formerly UEFA Cup), but lost to Ipswich Town 4-5 on aggregate. The following year, in the second round of the UEFA Champions League, they lost to Liverpool 2-3 on aggregate.
In 2024, the team's new head coach is Marten Martens, formerly of AZ Alkmaar. Since joining the club, he led AZ Alkmaar to finish fourth in the league, earning them a spot in the Europa League. In 2025, AZ Alkmaar reached the Dutch Cup final but lost to FC Twente in a penalty shootout.