Football has lost one of its greatest sons. Johan Cruyff, the Dutch wizard who changed the way modern football is played has passed away in Barcelona. The Ajax star’s official website confirmed the news, reporting that he’s succumbed to his battle with cancer aged 68.
The family of Johan Cruyff released the following statement:
On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.
The Barcelona legend was diagnosed with lung cancer in October last year, but the news of his death comes as a great shock, as he’d only recently updated that he was doing well in his battle with cancer, saying “The results have been very positive. Thanks to the excellent work of the doctors, the affection of the people and my positive mentality. Right now, I have the feeling that I am 2-0 up in the first half of a match that has not finished yet. But I am sure I will end up winning.”
Cruyff was credited with a whole host of innovations in football, being part of the side that introduced ‘Total Football’ to the world, while also popularizing the ‘tandem penalty’ and the Cruyff turn.
The Dutch legend came to the limelight of world football when he was part of the legendary Ajax side that thrilled European football as they won three consecutive Champions League trophies (then known as the European Cup) between 1971 and 1973.
Cruyff became a world icon, however, when he captained Netherlands to a heartbreaking loss in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final, as the world watched in awe as the Dutch national side introduced ‘Total Voetbal’ to the footballing universe.
Cruyff won eight Eredivisie titles for Ajax Amsterdam, and won another at Feyenoord when he returned to Dutch football in 1984.
The Dutch legend’s greatest impact at club level came at Barcelona, where he claimed La Liga trophy in 1973/74. However, his influence extended to the foundations of the club, as he’s credited with the formation/improvement of La Masia. Cruyff returned to the Catalans in a managerial role and won the 1992 European Cup.
The footballing universe is united in its mourning, as one of the most influential figures to ever grace the game is no more.
