Football legend Johan Cruyff passes away
Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff passed away today after failing in his battle with lung cancer. The Dutchman, who guided Netherlands to the 1974 and 78 World cup finals was one of the true greats of the game and his demise has come as a shock to the football and sporting fraternity.
Back in October last year, Cruyff was diagnosed with lung cancer. After months of struggle, the former Ajax man passed away in a hospital in Barcelona. Surrounded by friends and family, the Dutchman had been under observation for sometime.
In what was a glittering career, Cruyff won the Ballon d’Or, given for the best footballer in the world, three times and also was voted the best player at the World Cup in 1974. Under the visionary guidance of legendary coach Rinus Michels, it was Johan Cruyff who implemented and executed the blueprint of “Total Football”.
Later he carried the philosophy with him to Barcelona, a club he joined for a record transfer fee back in 1973. As a manager he brought the Ajax philosophy to Spain and Barcelona in particular, guiding them to their maiden European Cup triumph in 1992.
Johan Cruyff will forever be celebrated as a legend across the world, and especially in Ajax and Barcelona. Â
