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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