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Johan Cruyff’s contributions to the sport, both as a player and a manager, forever transformed the game.
His innovative playing style, leadership abilities, and dedication to the beautiful game continue to inspire future generations of footballers. Johan Cruyff will always be remembered as one of the greatest footballers and managers of all time.
Who Was Johan Cruyff?
Johan Cruyff, born Hendrik Johannes Cruijff on April 25, 1947, was a Dutch football legend and one of the greatest players in history.
Cruyff is widely recognised as one of the most important figures in modern football, owing to his technical abilities, playmaking abilities, and influence on the popularisation of Total Football.
Cruyff’s football career began at Ajax, a team located just minutes from his childhood home in Amsterdam. Cruyff found peace and inspiration in football after his father died when he was only 12 years old.
He admired Faas Wilkes, a great Dutch dribbler, as a child and aspired to be a successful footballer himself.
Cruyff made his Ajax debut at the age of 17 in 1964 and rapidly established himself as a standout player. He won eight Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup during his time at Ajax.
In 329 games, he scored 257 goals and assisted on more than 170 others.
Cruyff transferred to Barcelona for a world record transfer price in 1973. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Ballon d’Or in his debut season with the club. Cruyff played 180 official matches for Barcelona, scoring 60 goals and providing 83 assists.
Cruyff’s influence lasted much beyond his playing career. As a supporter of Rinus Michels’ Total Football concept, he not only demonstrated the approach on the pitch but also applied it as a manager.
Cruyff went on to have a successful managerial career, mainly at Ajax and Barcelona. Even after his coaching tenures ended, he remained engaged with both clubs as an advisor.
Cruyff’s accomplishments and impact on the game were generally acknowledged. In 1971, 1973, and 1974, he won the Ballon d’Or three times. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics named him European Player of the Century in 1999.
In 1998, he was named to the World Team of the Century, and in 2002, he was included to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
In 2004, he was selected to the FIFA 100 list of the world’s finest living players. Cruyff’s life off the pitch was not without difficulties.
Following an abduction attempt on him and his family at their Barcelona home in 1978, he declined to play in the FIFA World Cup. This horrific experience caused him to prioritise his family’s safety and well-being over his football career.
Johan Cruyff died on March 24, 2016, at the age of 68, in Barcelona, leaving behind a magnificent legacy in the football world.
Johan Cruyff Cause Of Death
Johan Cruyff’s cause of death is reported to have been lung cancer which he contracted leading to his demise at the age of 68 years.
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