PEC Zwolle

On June 2, 1978, PEC Zwolle was promoted to the Eredivisie, marking their debut in the top flight of Dutch football. This achievement was significant as it allowed the club to compete at the highest level in the Netherlands for the first time in its history. PEC Zwolle's promotion was the result of consistent performances in the Eerste Divisie, and it marked the beginning of their journey in competing with the top clubs in the country.

In May 1990, PEC Zwolle went bankrupt due to financial difficulties. The club was forced to restart as FC Zwolle on June 1, 1990, and managed to continue participating in the Dutch football leagues. The bankruptcy was a significant low point in the club's history, as the financial mismanagement had dire consequences for the team and its structure at the time.

In 1992, PEC Zwolle faced relegation from the Eredivisie after finishing the season in one of the last spots on the table. The relegation was a setback for the club, as they had been striving to establish themselves as a competitive team within the top tier. This event led to a period of restructuring and rebuilding as the club aimed to return to the Eredivisie in subsequent seasons.

After years of competing in the lower divisions, PEC Zwolle returned to the Eredivisie on May 15, 2002. This promotion was a pivotal moment for the club, as they managed to secure their place in the top tier through hard-fought matches and a consistent team effort over the season. The return to the Eredivisie reignited fan support and hope for a stable future in Dutch football's elite division.

On April 13, 2012, PEC Zwolle secured promotion to the Dutch Eredivisie after a successful season in the Eerste Divisie. The team demonstrated strong performances throughout the season, culminating in a celebratory return to the top tier of Dutch football after being absent for several years. This marked the beginning of a new era for the club, as they sought to establish themselves in the Eredivisie.

PEC Zwolle won their first major trophy on April 20, 2014, by defeating Ajax 5-1 in the final of the KNVB Cup. The victory was historic for the club, as they outplayed the more favored Ajax team with a stunning performance. This victory qualified them for the UEFA Europa League, marking PEC Zwolle's debut in European competitions and solidifying their status as a club capable of challenging for honors.

Following their KNVB Cup win, PEC Zwolle continued their impressive form by winning the Johan Cruyff Shield on August 3, 2014. The team defeated Ajax once again, this time with a 1-0 victory, to claim the Dutch Super Cup. The shield victory was a testament to PEC Zwolle's growing reputation in Dutch football, as they managed to secure another trophy over one of the country's most successful clubs.

In 2015, PEC Zwolle made their debut in European competitions by participating in the UEFA Europa League. This was a milestone for the club, showcasing their growth and ambition on the continental stage. Although the journey in Europe was short-lived, their presence in the tournament highlighted the club's progress and potential for future achievements in European football.

By the end of the 2016-2017 season, PEC Zwolle managed to maintain their position in the Eredivisie, avoiding relegation. This consistent presence in the top tier demonstrated the club's ability to compete at a high level and highlighted their efforts in strengthening the squad. Maintaining their spot in the Eredivisie was crucial for the club's aspirations to eventually challenge for higher positions in the league.

On April 26, 2022, PEC Zwolle was relegated from the Eredivisie after a challenging season. The club could not secure enough points to stay in the top flight, marking the end of their nine-year stint in the Eredivisie. The relegation was a difficult moment for the club, but it also represented an opportunity for PEC Zwolle to regroup and aim for promotion back to the top tier in the future.