Football legend Johan Cruyff dies from cancer at 68

Dutch worldwide football legend Johan Cruyff has died at his home in Barcelona at the age of 68.

Cruyff, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, had been fighting lung cancer for over a year but told last month he was feeling “very positive” after undergoing treatment, that he was ‘2-0 up’ in the battle against the disease.

However, it was announced today that he has lost his battle.

Cruyff, a hugely recognisable figure in worldwide football, made his name as a player at Ajax and Barcelona before going on to manage both clubs.

A genius attacking midfielder, he scored 290 goals in 514 games and won the Ballon d’Or three times in a glittering career. He helped Ajax to its hat-trick of European titles.

He was also famed for the ‘Cruyff turn’ skill that is still used today by the greatest players around.

As a manager he won five ‘Manager of the Year’ awards and was credited with developing Barcelona’s infamous La Masia academy.

In recent years Cruyff had become well-known for his controversial comments on world football while he also ran the Johan Cruyff Foundation – helping disadvantaged kids all over the world.

Michael van Praag, chairman of the Dutch football association KNVB said: ‘We have lost our best footballer ever, our number 14 and a great football friend.’

Johan Cruyff died at the age of 68. 6+8 = 14, he is number 14 forever.

Cruyff and Haarlem

Johan Cruyff is known for his fabulous goal against Haarlem: 1981. Ajax — Haarlem 4-1. JC is back in Amsterdam, 34 years old. 20 minutes in the game, Cruyff tricks Gerry Kleton and lobs the ball -without looking – over goalie Metgod and scores a magical goal.

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Arianna

Publisher / Community / Marketing Manager at expatsHaarlem

Arianna was born in Rome, Italy and grew up mostly in Florence. When she was 18 years old she came to the Netherlands, where she remained till today. Arianna likes to make trips, discover Haarlem, taste good food, meet internationals and share experiences. Currently she is living with her hubby and 3 toddlers in one of the cutest little neighborhoods of Haarlem, de Vijfhoek.