AFTER a long illness died Johan Cruyff. The legendary Dutchman was one of the best players and coaches of all time, and in the 68th year of life he lost a battle with lung cancer.
In his career he won three golden balls, led his own team to the final of the World Cup in 1974, where he was declared as the best player. He won three Champions league titles.
His death shocked the football public, which is preparing for the funeral of one of the biggest, ever.
Johan Cruyff facts
Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff, who helped revolutionise the game with the concept of ‘Total Football,’ has died aged 68 – the three-time world player of the year and European player of the year passed away after a battle with lung cancer.
The world of football lost a true pioneer of the game in Johan Cruyff on Thursday.
Cruyff had been fighting lung cancer since October last year and passed away at the age of 68.
The man who begun his career with Ajax was known for initiating the brand of ‘Total Football’.
During his time at Ajax, Cruyff won three straight European Cups from 1971.
Cruyff moved to Barcelona in 1973 and there holds acclaim for the club’s style of football ever since.
1974 he led Holland to the World Cup Final where they lost 2-1 to West Germany.
The Dutch FA said of Cruyff’s passing: “Words can hardly be found for this huge loss.”
“The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world’s best ever.”
His coaching career included leading Barcelona to their first European Cup title in 1992 at Wembley.
The Cruyff turn along with his interpretation of how football should be played will go on without him.
All over the world, the biggest football clubs and players have reacted to Johan Cruyff’s death over their social channels.
NEWS | Johan #Cruijff has passed away today at age 68.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ez2JZMeR7x— AFC Ajax (English) (@AFCAjax_EN) March 24, 2016
Both as a player and as a manager, you changed the history of our Club. Thank you Johan
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) March 24, 2016
Johan #Cruijff: groots en uniek.https://t.co/oXplmwM7uM
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 24, 2016
Sempre t'estimarem, Johan. Descansa en pauhttps://t.co/FkUnnpst0v
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) March 24, 2016
We are saddened to hear of Johan Cruyff's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/PgsenQcVyx
— The FA (@FA) March 24, 2016
Everybody at #mufc is saddened to hear of Johan Cruyff’s passing – he was a true football legend. https://t.co/O4NOkn6Kwy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 24, 2016
https://www.facebook.com/LeoMessi/posts/1207375689282023:0
Both as a player and as a manager, you changed the history of our Club. Thank you Johan
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) March 24, 2016
Thierry Henry applauding the legend that is Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/DPgG3oN5X9
— Arsenal FC (@FFArsenal) March 24, 2016
Johan Cruyff. Extraordinary player. One of the best ever. Had the privilege to play with him twice. RIP
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) March 24, 2016
We've lost one of the only footballers for whom the word 'genius' was both apt and somehow nowhere near enough. pic.twitter.com/POIflPRHTd
— David Hartrick (@DavidHartrick) March 24, 2016
— James Dart (@James_Dart) March 24, 2016
Former Ajax and Barcelona great Johan Cruyff has died at the age of 68: https://t.co/2EmigABTF3 pic.twitter.com/UvP4eXy9KE
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 24, 2016
The '14' will never be the same. RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/OZxbF4Z0kO
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 24, 2016
521 club league appearances. 291 goals
48 caps. 33 goals
10 League titles.
7 Cups
3x European Cups
3x Ballon d'Or pic.twitter.com/MKLFqiHyC3— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) March 24, 2016
Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 24, 2016
We always will remember @JohanCruyff as a real legend. (1947-2016) pic.twitter.com/8BcjKCc1ay
— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) March 24, 2016
May you RIP Johan Cruyff… pic.twitter.com/BLZPMjabdI
— Stanley Chow (@stan_chow) March 24, 2016
The renovated Camp Nou should be named after Cruyff. That's the least FCB can do to honor him. They are selling the naming rights, though…
— La Masia (@Youngcules) March 24, 2016
You spent hours practising his turn as a kid. RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/MwnT315lXN
— Coral (@Coral) March 24, 2016
Such sad news about @JohanCruyff. A great man, who transformed football. Condolences to his family and friends.#legend #totaalvoetbal
— Lothar Matthäus (@LMatthaeus10) March 24, 2016
RIP Johan Cruyff – one of football's greatest everhttps://t.co/6zylru7Z1j pic.twitter.com/OuoJHEO5Py
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) March 24, 2016
A great rival for #ACMilan, an idol and mentor to Marco Van Basten: goodbye Johan #Cruyff, you will be missed!
— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 24, 2016