It’s been exactly five years since the legendary Johan Cruyff passed away. Today, we take a look at the legacy he left to football.
When Johan Cruyff passed away five years ago today, the world lost one of the most important figures in football history. Ever since he became a professional player, the world around him knew he was somebody special who was destined for greatness. As a player, he was the most important offensive star from the ‘70s decade. Even though he is still compared to the best ballers in history, Johan never imagined his true legacy would come as a manager.
From the time he played for his national team, AFC Ajax, and FC Barcelona. Cruyff was very aware of a new trend in attacking football that still lives on to this day. Back then, it was called Total Football from the man who originated the style: Rinus Michels. We are talking about Cruyff’s first major teacher and perhaps the most important figure in his career. But without the player, the gaffer wasn’t able to achieve his vision.
Cruyff becomes the legend of two football clubs.
After a brilliant career as a manager, Johan Cruyff decided to study to become a manager and decided to become a manager at one of the only two clubs where he coached. AFC Ajax was the first institution that gave him his chance to become a professional. The only way to repay them was by making them win three important titles. From his playing days, Cruyff left a great impression and became the Dutch club’s greatest legend.
However, his true brilliance as a manager came at FC Barcelona, where he also played. Johan only started experimenting with a refreshed style of Total Football at Ajax, but he perfected it with the Blaugrana. You might recognize this style today as tiki-taka or possession-based football. Where all offensive and defensive players attack and defend equally. Even though we lost Johan to a battle against cancer five years ago, his legacy will never die.
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