Johan Cruijff
Johan Cruijff: A Football Legend's Life and Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Johan Cruijff was born as João Henriques on April 25, 1947, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is more commonly known by his Dutch surname, Cruijff.
Birth and Death Dates
Johan Cruijff passed away on March 24, 2016, at the age of 68, after a long battle with cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Dutch
Profession: Football player, coach, and sports administrator
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Amsterdam's working-class district, Cruijff developed his passion for football from an early age. He was one of eight children born to a Portuguese immigrant father and a Dutch mother. As a young boy, Cruijff would often play football with local kids on the streets and in nearby parks. His talent and dedication quickly earned him a spot at Ajax's youth academy.
Major Accomplishments
Cruijff's illustrious career spanned over two decades, marked by numerous achievements:
Ajax: Won three consecutive European Cups (1971-73), 14 Dutch league titles, and eight KNVB Cup trophies.
Barcelona: Led the team to their first Spanish league title in six years (1974) and won the Copa del Rey (1978).
Netherlands National Team: Scored the winning goal against Brazil in the 1974 World Cup final, helping the Oranje win their first major international trophy.
Coach: Won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax (1981-82) and introduced his famous "Totaalvoetbal" playing style to European football.
Notable Works or Actions
Cruijff's influence extended beyond his playing days:
Totaalvoetbal: Developed a revolutionary playing philosophy emphasizing possession-based football, spatial awareness, and attacking flair.
Ajax Youth Academy: Revolutionized youth development by introducing innovative coaching methods and creating a pipeline of talented players.
Barcelona Reforms: Introduced the "La Masia" youth academy system, which has become a model for Spanish football clubs.Impact and Legacy
Johan Cruijff's impact on football is immeasurable:
Influence on Modern Football: His playing style and coaching methods have inspired generations of players and coaches worldwide.
Netherlands National Team: Helped establish the Oranje as a major force in international football, paving the way for future Dutch successes.
Barcelona's Revival: Cruijff's leadership and vision played a significant role in Barcelona's resurgence as a European powerhouse.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Johan Cruijff is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Visionary Approach: His innovative playing style, coaching methods, and youth development strategies have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Passion for Football: Cruijff's love for the game was contagious, inspiring countless players, coaches, and fans worldwide.
* Legacy in Dutch Football: As a player, coach, and administrator, Cruijff played a pivotal role in shaping the Netherlands' football identity.
Quotes by Johan Cruijff
Johan Cruijff's insights on:
After you’ve won something, you’re no longer 100 percent, but 90 percent. It’s like a bottle of carbonated water where the cap is removed for a short while. Afterwards there’s a little less gas inside.
There are very few players who know what to do when they’re not marked. So sometimes you tell a player: that attacker is very good, but don’t mark him.
I’m ex-player, ex-technical director, ex-coach, ex-manager, ex-honorary president. A nice list that once again shows that everything comes to an end.
Players today can only shoot with their laces. I could shoot with the inside, laces, and outside of both feet. In other words, I was six times better than today’s players.
Italians can’t win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians.
We must make sure their worst players get the ball the most. You’ll get it back in no time.
When you’re playing against a team that has two great central defenders, the best option is to play without a striker.
