Johan Cruyff

 NAME Johan Cruyff (Hendrik Johannes Cruijff)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Described as Europe’s first superstar footballer, Johan Cruyff was renowned for revolutionizing football with his style of play and innovative tactics. He is credited with inventing the famous "Cruyff Turn," a deft move where he rotated 180 degrees to outfox opponents.

BIRTH Born on April 25, 1947, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Johan Cruyff, grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Amsterdam, just five minutes away from Ajax's stadium. Cruyff's parents were Hermanus Cornelis Cruijff and Petronella Bernarda Draaijer. He also had an older brother, Henny

CHILDHOOD His father's encouragement fostered his love for football, but tragedy struck when his father passed away from a heart attack in 1959. This loss profoundly impacted Cruyff's mentality and drive.

Despite the adversity, Cruyff's family's connection to Ajax continued. His mother worked as a cleaner at the club, and later remarried Henk Angel, an Ajax field hand. This solidified Cruyff's early association with the club.

EDUCATION Cruyff attended the Groen van Prinstererschool primary school. At the age of ten, he joined the Ajax youth system. Initially, he excelled in both football and baseball, continuing to play baseball until the age of 15. Prioritizing his football career, he left school at 15. Recognizing his potential, Ajax offered him a special youth contract, facilitating his early professional journey.

CAREER RECORD Played for Ajax (1964-1973, 1981-1983) and Barcelona (1973-1978).

Won three Ballon d'Or awards (1971, 1973, 1974).

Led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final.

Managed Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team.

APPEARANCE Johan Cruyff had a distinctive appearance that contributed to his iconic status in football. He stood at 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall with striking blonde hair. Cruyff was described as lean but whippily resilient, able to withstand physical challenges from opponents. His physique allowed him to be incredibly agile on the pitch, with exquisite balance and a destructive variation of pace.

Cruyff playing for Ajax 1971 By Unknown photographer; Nationaal Archief

FASHION Known for his effortlessly stylish look, Cruyff popularized the sporty, casual aesthetic of the 1970s and was often seen in sharp suits or team kits with a single signature stripe. He preferred classical clothing styles, mentioning brands like Zegna and Hugo Boss.

On the field, Cruyff wore the number 14 jersey, which became synonymous with him. He adopted this number in 1970 when making a comeback from injury, and it became his trademark, even when playing for the Dutch national team.

CHARACTER A charismatic and self-assured leader, Cruyff was known for his intelligence, wit, and sometimes fiery temperament.  His arrogance and confidence, sometimes didn't endear him to his peers but contributed to his commanding presence as a player and later as a coach

SENSE OF HUMOUR His sharp tongue and dry wit endeared him to fans, particularly through his memorable quotes such as, "Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is."

RELATIONSHIPS Johan Cruyff married Danny Coster on December 2, 1968, in Amsterdam, Netherlands   Her father was Dutch businessman Cor Coster who was also Cruyff's agent. The wedding ceremony took place at the Town Hall in Amsterdam. Cruyff was 21 years old at the time of their marriage.

The wedding was a significant event. Despite being a junior player with little money at the time, Cruyff booked an entire wing of the Amsterdam Hilton hotel for the wedding celebrations.

The couple had three children and remained devoted throughout his life. Their third child, Jordi Cruyff, played for Barcelona (while father Johan was manager), Manchester United, Alavés and Espanyol. 

MONEY AND FAME Cruyff’s earnings transformed him into a global superstar. Despite his wealth, he remained grounded, often speaking about the responsibility of giving back.

FOOD AND DRINK Cruyff was a health-conscious eater and refrained from indulgences like alcohol during his playing career.

He ate everything. particularly loving marrowfat peas with lard or stew. 

During his time with Ajax, there's an anecdote about the team enjoying Jewish salami from a local butcher before European matches.

Cruyff featured in anti-smoking campaigns in the 1990s after he quit smoking following heart surgery, famously holding lollipops to promote healthy habits.

MUSIC AND ARTS Cruyff had a refined taste in music, appreciating artists like Nat King Cole, The Beatles, Laurens van Rooijen, and Richard Clayderman. 

He also admired the works of visual artists such as Vincent van Gogh and was drawn to the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí.

His favorite film was The Godfather. Cruyff also appreciated the comedic talents of stand-up comedians like Toon Hermans and André van Duin.

LITERATURE He enjoyed reading detective novels, particularly the works of Robert Ludlum and Frederick Forsyth, as a form of relaxation. 

Cruyff authored several books, including My Turn (2016), an autobiography where he shared personal stories and detailed his football philosophy.

His thoughts on football strategy and training were also compiled into books, making him an influential figure in sports literature.

NATURE He had an appreciation for the outdoors and often advocated for youth football in open spaces.

PETS Cruyff owned a cat which he had named General Franco. However, when he took over as manager of Barcelona in 1987, he had to change the cat's name due to the sensitive political history between Catalonia and Franco's regime

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Johan Cruyff's early life was shaped by the gritty streets of Amsterdam. He grew up just a stone's throw from Ajax's stadium, a proximity that would prove to be a fateful coincidence. Though he initially dabbled in baseball, it was football that truly captured his heart. At the tender age of ten, he joined Ajax's youth academy, and the rest, as they say, is history.

His professional career with Ajax was a dazzling display of skill, intelligence, and sheer audacity. He led the club to unprecedented heights, winning multiple league titles, domestic cups, and, most notably, three consecutive European Cups. His performances were nothing short of magical, a mesmerizing blend of technique, vision, and a certain je ne sais quoi that set him apart.

In 1973, Cruyff made a seismic move to Barcelona, where he quickly became a cult hero. He brought a new level of sophistication and flair to Spanish football, leading the club to their first La Liga title in fourteen years. His impact on Barcelona was profound, laying the groundwork for the club's future successes.

After his playing days, Cruyff transitioned seamlessly into management, where he continued to innovate and inspire. His coaching philosophy, rooted in possession-based football and attacking flair, has had a lasting impact on the modern game.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Cruyff's legacy extends to his off-field contributions. He was a pioneer in youth development, establishing world-class academies at both Ajax and Barcelona. His influence on countless players, including some of the greatest names in the game, is undeniable.

Johan Cruyff was more than just a footballer. He was an artist, a philosopher, a revolutionary. His impact on the beautiful game is immeasurable. He was, and will always be, the Total Footballer.

Golf was his primary passion outside of football. He found solace and enjoyment in the sport, often spending time on the golf course. Cruyff played it regularly during his retirement. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS Cruyff's tactical brilliance often resembled mathematical precision, as he emphasized geometry and space in football.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cruyff’s football philosophy was rooted in simplicity and creativity, often drawing parallels with broader life lessons.

Johan Cruyff's relationship with religion and faith was complex and multifaceted. While raised in a Christian environment, his personal beliefs evolved over time. As a child, Cruyff attended Sunday school, where he was introduced to the Bible. This early exposure to Christianity left an impression on him, but he did not maintain regular church attendance as an adult.

Throughout his life, Cruyff made public statements that challenged conventional religious practices. He famously declared, "I'm not religious," and criticized the ritual of players making the sign of the cross before matches. He suggested that if such practices were effective, all matches would end in a draw.

Despite his public skepticism, Cruyff acknowledged a belief in something greater. In interviews, he mentioned that he believed "there’s something there," indicating a sense of spirituality without adherence to traditional religious practices.

POLITICS While not overtly political, Cruyff supported social causes and youth development programs.

SCANDAL He was involved in a bribery scandal during his time at Barcelona, but his reputation largely remained untarnished.

MILITARY RECORD Cruyff avoided military service in the Netherlands, a decision that sparked minor controversy during his early career.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS A heavy smoker for much of his life, Cruyff underwent heart surgery in 1991. He later became an advocate for healthy living.

HOMES Johan Cruyff was born and raised in Amsterdam's Betondorp neighborhood. He spent his formative years in a modest 62-square-meter home at 32 Akkerstraat. 

Following his transfer to FC Barcelona in 1973, Cruyff relocated to Spain. He established a luxurious lifestyle in the prestigious Bonanova neighborhood. His 600-square-meter villa, acquired in 1991, was a testament to his success, featuring four floors, nine rooms, seven bathrooms, a games room, a wine cellar, and a 450-square-meter garden.

In his later years, Cruyff primarily divided his time between Amsterdam and Barcelona. He continued to reside in Barcelona until his passing in 2016.

TRAVEL Cruyff was fond of traveling, particularly to Spain. He enjoyed spending his winters in the mountains and his summers at the beach.

His career took him across the globe, but Spain and the Netherlands always held special places in his heart.

Cruyff drove Mercedes cars.

DEATH Johan Cruyff passed away on March 24, 2016, at the age of 68 in Barcelona, Spain. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. 

Cruyff had been diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2015. Despite initially expressing optimism about his condition, stating he was "2-0 up" against his illness in February 2016, he ultimately succumbed to the disease just a month later. 

Following his death, Cruyff's funeral arrangements were kept private, in line with his family's wishes. The cremation ceremony took place in Barcelona on Friday, March 25, 2016, the day after his passing. Only his immediate family attended the cremation, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Johan Cruyff's influence extended far beyond the football pitch, making him a prominent figure in media through documentaries, interviews, books, and advertisements. Here are some notable highlights of his media presence:

1. DOCUMENTARIES

Johan Cruyff: En Un Momento Dado (2004): This Spanish documentary delves into Cruyff's influence on football, particularly in Spain, and features interviews with players, coaches, and fans.

The Unknown Johan Cruyff (2014): A Dutch documentary exploring lesser-known aspects of Cruyff's life, including his personal philosophy and off-the-pitch contributions.

2. INTERVIEWS Cruyff was a sought-after interviewee due to his sharp wit and football insights. His interviews often featured memorable quotes, such as his declaration that "every disadvantage has its advantage." He frequently appeared on Dutch, Spanish, and international TV channels discussing football tactics and philosophies.

3. TELEVISION Cruyff made guest appearances on talk shows and sports panels, particularly in the Netherlands and Spain. He provided expert analysis during tournaments, especially the FIFA World Cups and UEFA Champions League.

4. VIDEO GAMES Cruyff was included as a legendary player in several football video games, including EA Sports' FIFA series and Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer. These games immortalized his signature "Cruyff Turn" as a playable move.

ACHIEVEMENTS

3 Ballon d'Or wins (1971, 1973, 1974)

Revolutionizing "Total Football" with Ajax and the Dutch national team

Transforming Barcelona both as a player and coach

Pioneering the philosophy of modern football tactics and youth academies

Source World of Johan Cruyff