Johan Cruijff

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Cruyff started his career at Ajax in 1964, where he won six Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup. He moved to FC Barcelona in 1973, winning the La Liga title in 1973–74, the club's first in 14 years, and the Copa del Rey once. After stints at the Los Angeles Aztecs and the Washington Diplomats in the United States and at Levante in Spain, Cruyff returned to Ajax in 1981, winning two further Eredivisie titles. As the club refused to extend his contract, Cruyff moved to main rivals Feyenoord in 1983, where he won the double (Eredivisie and KNVB Cup) in his first and only season at the club. After retiring from playing in 1984, Cruyff became a highly successful manager of Ajax and Barcelona, winning the 1987 European Cup Winners' Cup at Ajax, and four La Liga titles and one European Cup at Barcelona. After his dismissal in 1996, he remained an advisor to both Ajax and Barcelona. His son Jordi also played football professionally for Barcelona.

In Their Own Story

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Cruyff led Ajax to six Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup. His style was the engine of Total Football. On the international stage, he guided the Netherlands to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years at the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He recorded three goals and three assists en route to the final against West Germany. Though they lost, Cruyff received the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. His club success included a La Liga title with FC Barcelona in 1973–74, ending a 14-year drought for the club, plus a Copa del Rey. After stints in the US and Spain, he returned to Ajax in 1981, winning two more Eredivisie titles before moving to rivals Feyenoord in 1983, where he won the double (Eredivisie and KNVB Cup) in his only season there before retiring in 1984.

Reader's Guide

Cruyff was a proponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football, developed by Rinus Michels, both as a player and a manager. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern football. At club level, he won a total of nine Eredivisie titles as a player: six at Ajax in his first spell, two more after returning to Ajax, and one at Feyenoord. He also won three European Cups and one Intercontinental Cup with Ajax, and a La Liga title and Copa del Rey with Barcelona. As a manager, he won the 1987 European Cup Winners' Cup at Ajax, and four La Liga titles and one European Cup at Barcelona.

Did You Know?

• Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974.
• He led the Netherlands to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final, receiving the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.
• Cruyff founded the Johan Cruyff Foundation in 1997 to help disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs.
• He is the originator of several catchphrases and aphorisms, known as Cruijffiaans, that have entered everyday language in the Netherlands and Spain.
• In 1999, Cruyff was voted European Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, and came second behind Pelé in their World Player of the Century poll.