Dutch Legend Johan Cruyff Passes Away After Battling Lung Cancer
Dutch soccer player Johan Cruyff died after battling lung cancer since last October. Cruyff spent years as a player and coach for FC Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam bringing many trophies to both clubs during his career. The soccer world honors the legend in the midst of a series of international matches.
Soccer News: The soccer world honors legendary Dutchman Johan Cruyff as he passed away at the age of 68. Cruyff was diagnosed with lung cancer last October and died in Barcelona earlier today.
The Dutch international brought many great years to FC Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam as a player and coach as well as representing his country in the 1974 World Cup.
Cruyff began his career with the Ajax youth academy and made the move to Barcelona where he spent five years with the club. He spent a brief period of time with other Spanish and American clubs following his stint in Barcelona before returning to Ajax.
He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax as well as coached Barcelona to their first European Cup championship in 1992. During his career he scored 293 goals in 521 appearances for five different clubs, including 204 in 276 games while playing for his home club Ajax Amsterdam.
Cruyff scored 33 goals in 48 appearances for the Dutch National Team and helped them reach the 1974 World Cup final where they lost to West Germany.
Notable current and past players expressed their recognition of the great Dutchman and his influence on the beautiful game over the years.
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola played for Cruyff during his time at FC Barcelona stating, “He painted the chapel and Barcelona coaches since have merely restored or improved it”.
David Beckham claimed, “Cruyff was not just one of the best footballers in the history of the game but also one of the greatest men and nicest person you could meet”.
Sergio Ramos took to twitter to state, “Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and Coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff”.
The soccer world will truly miss the legendary player and coach ahead of a series of international matches that will be played in the next week.
Check out some of Johan Cruyff’s skills and goals below.
